Everyday Hazardous Building Materials: Hidden Toxins in Home Renovations

Hazardous Building Materials

Everyday Hazardous Building Materials: What You Should Know Before Renovating

Our family recently went through a mold remediation process at home, and now that the cleanup is complete, we've started renovating. During this process, I began researching something many homeowners don’t think about: the potential toxicity of certain building materials.

Renovations can improve comfort and property value, but they can also expose us to chemicals and materials that may affect our health and indoor air quality.

Different people react differently to these substances. Some individuals, especially those with asthma, chemical sensitivities, or respiratory conditions, may experience stronger reactions. If you're concerned about how renovation materials might impact your health or the environment, it helps to understand some of the most common hazardous substances found in homes.

Here are several building materials that have raised health concerns over the years.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of extremely thin fibers. Because it was durable, heat-resistant, and inexpensive, it was widely used in construction materials for decades.

One challenge with asbestos is that it can be difficult to identify, as it is often mixed with other materials and may resemble fraying fabric or fibrous insulation.

Although residential use was restricted in the late 1970s, many homes built before the 1980s may still contain asbestos in certain materials.

Common places asbestos was historically used include:

• Cement products

• Ceiling tiles

• Floor tiles

• Roof shingles

• Steam pipes

• Textured paints

• Spray-on insulation
  

Why it’s harmful

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed during renovation or demolition, tiny fibers can become airborne and inhaled.

Long-term exposure has been linked to serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Symptoms often appear decades after exposure, sometimes 15 years or more later.

For this reason, professional testing and remediation are often recommended before disturbing older building materials.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in the manufacturing of building materials and household products. It is often found in:

• Furniture

• Flooring materials

• Insulation

• Curtains and textiles

• Particleboard and plywood

• Adhesives and resins
  

Many modern wood products rely on adhesives that contain formaldehyde, which means newly constructed or renovated homes can sometimes have higher levels.

Tobacco smoke can also increase indoor formaldehyde levels.

Why it’s harmful

Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical with a strong odor. Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system.

Long-term exposure has been classified as carcinogenic, meaning it may increase cancer risk. Some people may begin experiencing breathing difficulties when concentrations exceed 0.1 parts per million.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are a large group of chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature.

They are found in many everyday household items, including:

• Cleaning products

• Pesticides

• Printers and inks

• Mattresses and furniture

• Adhesives and glues

• Paints and paint strippers

• Lacquers and finishes
  

Renovation activities such as painting or installing new flooring can significantly increase VOC levels indoors.

Why they pose a risk

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to VOCs may cause:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Potential damage to the liver or kidneys
  

Long-term exposure to certain VOCs has also been linked to increased cancer risk. Because of these concerns, many manufacturers now offer low-VOC or no-VOC paints and building materials.

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)

Chromated Copper Arsenate, commonly known as CCA, was historically used to treat wood and protect it from insects and fungal damage.

CCA-treated lumber was commonly used in:

• Decks

• Picnic tables

• Fences

• Outdoor playsets
  

Due to growing health concerns, the EPA and lumber industry phased out most residential uses of CCA-treated wood in 2003.

Why it poses a risk

The concern surrounding CCA comes primarily from arsenic, a toxic element present in the treatment solution.

Workers in lumber facilities where CCA-treated wood was frequently handled reported increased health risks, including cancer. Because of these concerns, safer wood treatment alternatives are now more commonly used.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a widely used plastic derived from vinyl chloride.

It is commonly found in:

• Plumbing pipes

• Electrical wire coatings

• Vinyl flooring

• Window frames and shutters

• Packaging materials

• Wall coverings and furniture components
  

Because it is durable and inexpensive, PVC has become one of the most common plastics used in building materials.

Why it poses a risk

Research has suggested that prolonged exposure to certain compounds associated with PVC may affect the nervous and immune systems, and may also contribute to reduced bone strength.

In addition to potential health concerns, PVC also raises environmental issues, as it can release harmful substances during manufacturing and disposal.

Creating a Healthier Renovation Environment

Home renovations can expose us to materials that affect indoor air quality and long-term health. Becoming aware of these substances can help homeowners make more informed decisions when selecting materials or working with contractors.

Some people choose to prioritize:

• Low-VOC paints and finishes

• Formaldehyde-free wood products

• Natural insulation materials

• Certified safer building materials

Small choices during renovation can help create a home environment that supports both personal health and environmental sustainability.