Are Home Renovations Hurting Your Lungs? Before You DIY, Read This

Author:
Jennifer Larson
Aug 21, 2019

You’ve decided the ugly old carpet in your living room has got to go. You’re eager to tear it out and replace it with something fresh, new and clean. Or maybe you’re ready to add another room onto your house. Or renovate the outdated master bathroom. Or redo the stained drywall from a recent leak from the roof.

Before you throw yourself into a home renovation project, though, stop and consider something that might not have occurred to you: the impact of the renovation work on your lungs.

“If you use your lungs to breathe, then it’s something that you need to worry about,” says Janice Nolen, assistant vice president of the American Lung Association.

Anyone with a pre-existing lung condition, like asthma or COPD, should especially be cautious about home renovations, says Gregory B. Diette, MD, MHS, professor of medicine, epidemiology and environmental health sciences at Johns Hopkins University.

“They’re going to be more vulnerable to dust of all sorts,” he said. “It can be very hard on the lungs and trigger an exacerbation of their lung disease.”

New research examines home renovation and lung function

A study recently published in the journal Indoor Air found an association between decreased lung function and children who were exposed to home renovations in the previous two-year time period. The researchers found that exposure to new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring seemed to have the strongest association.

Additionally, there seemed to be a stronger association with children who had asthma, too.

“This is a vulnerable group, more sensitive perhaps to the materials used in home renovation,” says Michael S. Bloom, PhD, MS, associate professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Albany, State University of New York, one of the study’s co-investigators and authors. “That’s a possibility. Or the other possibility is these materials that were used exacerbate asthma.”

Some materials used in home renovations contain chemicals that can create strong odors or fumes, like formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. And chemicals and strong vapor or fumes make the list of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s list of common triggers for asthma flare-ups. (Other airborne irritants that can cause an asthma attack include smoke, particulate matter and air pollution, like smog and ozone.)

More research is needed to learn more about the association, cautions Bloom. The researchers are not drawing a direct line between lung problems and home renovation projects using materials like PVC flooring, new particle board, new synthetic carpet and other materials. But in the meantime, they’re highlighting an association that could inspire DIYers to stop and think about their choices before they dive in.

“I think it boils down to what you consider an acceptable risk,” says Bloom. “Individual people should know that this is a potential health hazard and should have the opportunity to factor that into their decision.”

Things to consider before getting started

Ready to start renovating? Some important things to remember when planning your home reno:

Carefully consider the materials you’re planning to use

Some materials might emit gases or odors that can trigger asthma flare-ups, among other troubles.What materials might be a better choice? Does your budget allow for paints or carpets or other materials that emit fewer gases? “If fiscally possible, the use of low volatility products is preferable, low vitality paints and adhesive and any solvents that have to be used,” says Bloom.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American recommends opting for products that have earned the “asthma & allergy friendly” certification, which shows they’ve met standards set out by the foundation and its certification partner, Allergy Standards Limited, says Melanie Carver, the association’s vice president for community health services.

Older houses may contain certain harmful substances

How old is your home? Because when it comes to safely renovating your home, age does matter. “Before you begin a home renovation project, it’s important to confirm the age of your house,” notes Carver.

Older buildings may contain asbestos. Inhaling the asbestos fibers can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including lung cancer. If your home does contain asbestos, the American Lung Association recommends not disturbing it, since the fibers are less likely to become airborne if they’re not cut or ripped. But if you do need to remove it or deal with the material in any way, talk to a professional first.

Another hazard to watch out for if you own an older house: lead paint. Lead paint was banned for use in houses in 1978, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But any existing home that was built prior to that year very likely still contains some lead paint. Children and pregnant women should not remain in a house with lead paint that’s undergoing renovation, per the CDC’s recommendations.

Consider getting away

If you’re embarking up a big home renovation project and someone in your household suffers from asthma, COPD or another chronic lung condition, consider finding a way for them to spend some time away from home. Or plan your renovation when your loved one is out of town for a few days.

Dust is not your friend

Regardless of whether your home harbors any lead paint, asbestos, or other potentially harmful substances, a home renovation project is going to kick up some dust. Maybe even a lot of dust, if you’re tearing anything out. You can wear a mask, but masks do have limits, says Diette. A mask won’t fully protect you against all dust, nor will they keep out fumes and gases, either. But if you have asthma and can’t get away during renovation, definitely opt for a mask, said Carver. An N-95 rated mask is your best choice since it will block 95 percent of the small particles in the air. You’ll need to be extra careful about cleaning up all the dust afterward, too.

Good ventilation is critical

Adequate ventilation during home renovation projects is absolutely paramount, experts say. Take, for example, that new carpet you might be looking forward to. The carpet itself can produce gasses (a process called “off-gassing”), and so can the adhesives used to install it. It takes some time for those fumes to disperse. As a result, you may need to ensure good ventilation for the newly carpeted area for a couple of days afterward, too. Same goes for fiberglass insulation and many kinds of paint.

Don’t forget about radon

While you’re improving your home, take the opportunity to address another major safety issue that can affect your lung health: radon. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can build up in your home and increase your chances of developing lung cancer. “It’s something that during a renovation should definitely be on everyone’s list,” says Nolen. Learn more about radon-resistant construction techniques from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Consult a professional

If you’re still uncertain as you embark upon your renovation, you could also talk to a professional contractor, who will likely have some experience with this issue. “A good contractor would be able to give you some good thoughts,” says Nolen.

Wondering why people who never smoke get lung cancer?