If you’re in (or through with) the process of having your home renovated, the chances are that you’re reading this surrounded by mountains of debris. There are real dangers with renovation waste
Home renovations can be extensive and time-consuming, and the waste generated can have negative implications on peace of mind and health. Moreover, some old residential structures might have been built using hazardous materials, which become hazardous waste during renovations.
So it’s in your best interest to set up a quick and thorough cleanup through a waste management company.
You could expose yourself to carcinogens
Some buildings contain asbestos in the walls. Asbestos comprises fibrous materials that are cancer-causing-they are almost exclusively the cause of a rare cancer, mesothelioma.
Asbestos is sometimes used in buildings due to its fireproofing abilities. Most waste management companies use protective equipment to ensure that the risks asbestos poses is minimized.
Dust from drywall could cause respiratory problems
Drywall features heavily in most buildings and homes built during or after the 1950s. While drywall itself is not dangerous, its dust is.
During renovations, drywall is sanded in order for it to attain a certain shape. Upon sanding, drywall dust is produced, which causes eye, nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation. If drywall dust is in the air, it can cause asthma-like symptoms for those breathing in it.
Waste management professionals make use of NIOSH-approved drywall respirators, which filter the dust out while letting air in.
Many houses contain toxic heavy metals
Many houses constructed before the 1970s contain lead in their paint, plumbing, roofs, and tank linings.
Lead is a heavy metal and a toxin that causes lead poisoning; at higher concentrations, lead accumulation in the body can even be fatal. Some residential structures also make use of mercury-containing relay circuits and switches.
Mercury is also highly toxic and can be poisonous, even at low concentrations, and can cause nervous system and kidney damage. We make use of personal protective equipment for all our staff in order to ensure that no damage is incurred.
Construction and demolition waste can be a fire hazard
Common construction and demolition waste such as aerosol cans, paint thinner, and oil-based paints is either combustible or flammable. Some flammable C&D waste emits toxic material into the air in closed spaces, this could be a serious health risk. Since our workers are highly trained and use protective equipment, their health risks are minimized.
Residential renovation waste removal is an intricate task that you shouldn’t try to handle on your own. The Junk Guys is a waste management company that has been servicing Edmonton for the last ten years.
If your house has just been renovated, call us at (780) 695-4226 to receive your free on-site quote today. We’ll take care of the waste for you.