Stay Safe Whilst Attempting DIY: #HealthandHome

I’m sure at some stage or another, we’ve all attempted some DIY around our home. It doesn’t matter if this includes changing a door handle, painting a wall, or hanging curtains, we’ve all done our bit.

Whether it’s a challenging task, such as replacing skirting boards, or painting a piece of furniture, there are plenty of dangers that come with DIY. Slater Gordon Lawyers have surveyed 2098 members of the British public to find out exactly what they know about DIY, and whether they believe it to be dangerous.

45 percent are happy to drill into walls… If you’re trying to hang a picture or put shelving up, you will need to drill into your walls. But do you ever stop to think how dangerous this might actually be? The amount of dust that is created from this task can get into your lungs unless you wear proper equipment, such as a dust mask. This will prevent too much dust being inhaled.

If there is asbestos, a popular material from the 1930s to 70s, in your walls, you’ll need to seek professional help to do the drilling for you. Asbestos is a carcinogenic. If it is left in your walls, unbroken, then it causes no health problems. But when it is broken up, moved, or damaged, the tiny fibers in asbestos can get into our lungs and cause mesothelioma.

When surveyed, a third of people didn’t know what caused mesothelioma, or even what it was.

By wearing a suitable dust mask, you can prohibit any health risks. If you’re unsure of asbestos, call in someone who knows what they’re doing!

One quarter are happy to saw or sand large pieces of MDF. MDF is a pressed material that is made out of wood fibers and resin. However, this resin can contain formaldehyde, another carcinogen that causes all sorts of respiratory problems when breathed in.

If possible, you should buy and work with solid wood instead, though this can be more expensive than MDF. A protective mask should be worn at all times when dealing with MDF, and you should avoid sawing or breaking it if possible. Plenty of furniture is made out of MDF instead of solid wood because it is cheaper to produce. Just ensure when you buy your desk or dining table that you won’t be making changes such as sanding and repainting.

63 percent are happy to remove wallpaper and tiles or plaster… Mold can often be found lurking under wallpaper. It may have been there for years, and never been noticed! If you do happen to find some, make up a solution of part water, part bleach and use a sponge to remove the mold. Just make sure you get your marigolds on too: bleach can cause dermatitis, a nasty skin condition.

If you’re removing plaster, ensure you’re wearing a dust mask as it crumbles very easily.

Have you ever undergone some major DIY? Did you know about some of the health risks involved before you started? Let us know on Facebook.