Here are some guidelines on how to avoid trouble when using building and decorating materials, or if having work done. If you work in the building trade.
Avoiding Trouble at Home
Even if you have decided that you need eventually to replace the materials around you in your home, go gently if you remove or replace them. Unless you are in the unusual position of being able to move out while work is done, and stay out until the place is aired, then do one room or one major task at a time. Give it time to air and give your system time to cope without overload.
If you are a tenant, negotiate with your landlord over what he or she can do for you. You may have to pay yourself for the work you need. If you cannot afford to do a lot of work, then do one room, preferably the bedroom, or your ‘oasis’, and do it thoroughly, rather than do everything partially.
Allow rooms to air for as long as you possibly can, even up to a few weeks, before using them again. Decorate or do work before going on a visit or on holiday, for instance, and air well on return, or ask a neighbour to open windows and air the home while you are away.
Do not decorate or do work in a new baby’s room close to the delivery date; decorate it months before if you can, and if your superstition permits. New babies are more vulnerable than adults to chemical load.
Redecorate infrequently to keep the load, and the inconvenience, down. Get someone else to redecorate or do work for you if you possibly can. If you cannot afford to pay for work to be done, then look for friends who are keen on DIY, and offer to do something for them in return – other household jobs, or car-washing or window cleaning, for instance. Ask your voluntary services or charities if there are groups, such as scouts’ groups, who could help you out.
If you do work yourself, protect your skin and airways with overalls, gloves and face masks. Sander and Kay sell pure cotton work overalls by post (address below). Ventilate thoroughly while working and take frequent breaks. Wash hair and bathe or shower immediately after doing work.
Use low-hazard materials as far as possible. Details are given below. Use solvent-free materials wherever possible. Avoid using wallpaper or lining paper, especially if you are allergic to moulds. Avoid using particle board (see below) if you are able to.
If you are starting from scratch, or replacing old structures or materials, use materials which are inert, such as ceramic tiles, cork, cement, glass, marble, stone, most woods, or materials which do not need repainting, such as metal or varnished wood. Doors, window frames, skirtings, wall panels and cupboard doors can be made from unpainted wood, sealed with a clear varnish which needs redoing very seldom. >PLANTS AND TREES for choice of wood, and see Varnishes (below). Ceramic tiles can be used for floors, work surfaces, even walls. Kitchen work surfaces can also be made from sealed wood, stainless steel or tiles.
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