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8 Hazards with DIY Projects

By: Tonya Bruin

8 Hazards with DIY Projects

So you’ve watched a number of YouTube videos, and you think you have all the knowledge you need to start your next DIY project. But wait! There’s more to consider than how to complete the project. You also should know what potential hazards are at bay and what you can do to prevent them from happening. To ensure your safety, here are eight hazards with DIY projects you need to be aware of before starting.

Waterproofing Spray

Never use waterproofing agents in a closed off area inside your home. The tiny particles can enter your lungs and cause some serious damage to your airways. Always use sealants and agents outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Lead Paint

Older homes are likely to have lead-based paint on the walls. While lead isn’t toxic in this form, renovating can cause the lead particles to come airborne, which can cause some detrimental effects to one’s health. Research has shown that lead can impact the nervous, lymphatic, and reproductive systems, as well as cause development problems in children.

Paint Stripper

When paint stripper evaporates it leaves behind toxic fumes. If you breathe in these gasses, you can experience many adverse side effects from dizziness to chest pains. So ensure you have lots of ventilation and fresh air flow before using them in the house.

Staining Agents

The stain used to colour and protect your woods can cause blistering and nasty burns to your skin. Always wear gloves when using staining agents. If any happens to spill on you, clean it off immediately!

Drain Cleaner

Most drain cleaners are highly corrosive. If spilled on your skin they have the potential to seriously burn you. To protect your skin, make sure to wear protective gloves when using any cleaners that have corrosive properties, which is most of them.

Pesticides and Herbicides

Landscaping is a common DIY project. It often involves using pesticides and herbicides to make the lawn and garden look pristine. But these chemicals should be used with caution because they can damage your skin and kill human cells. To prevent injury, use protective clothing and wash skin immediately after use.

Mould

Mould can be found anywhere moisture can develop. The most common areas you will find mould include the attic, around pipes, in bathrooms, and underneath wood siding. Exposure to mould can result in a number of problems like chest pain, coughing, and irritated eyes and throat.

Asbestos

Found in older insulation, ductwork, flooring, roofing, and around pipes, contact with asbestos can lead to serious conditions like mesothelioma, a type of cancer. If you find asbestos when working on a DIY project, you should immediately put on protective clothing and a mask – then immediately consider calling a professional.

A DIY project can be very rewarding and a lot of fun, but if you’re not properly prepared you could end up impacting your health. Sometimes it’s better off to leave it to the professionals who have all the right equipment and know how to properly handle all the chemicals a DIY project requires. To Do-Done is here to help you with any project you have, big or small. Call us today to find out how we can serve you!