Renovate Safe!

Lead – in lots of places
Asbestos – in lots of places
Electrical Safety
Tempered Glass
Window treatment cords
Radon
And more — I am not the Expert — Consult with a Professional!

Precautionary Pam starting out yet another year with this critical reminder: Renovating and remodeling our mid century homes can be fun galore, but PLEASE ALWAYS REMEMBER, there are many known hazards in surfaces, layers and materials that you need to take personal responsibility to become knowledgeable about, so that you can make informed decisions about how to handle. I sometimes feel like I am a nagging broken record bringing this up all the time, but here goes again, another big reminder to start the year: 

We all care very much about managing environmental and safety issues properly, so when moving into a home and when undertaking your restoration projects, be sure to familiarize yourself with and use recommended best practices. There can be any number of environmental and/or safety issues in our old houses. For example, the EPA hosts a website on lead in the home and a website on asbestos in the home. Consult professionals regarding these materials and others, and also about the proper disposal of debris, etc.

Some other resources regarding potential lead hazards in the home:

• LeadFreeKids.org —  a joint effort of the Ad Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. That’s their video at the top.

• Ceramic Tile Institute Of America Field Report 2000-11-20 –Subject: Ceramic Tile Lead Hazards and Miscellaneous Other Lead Risks in Residential Remodeling and Construction, by Judson Bryant

Other potential issues — and do not consider this a comprehensive list, as I am not an expert in the continually developing area of environmental and safety hazards in the home — include:

• Tempered glass in windows, patio doors and shower doors…
• Wiring and fire safety in the house as well as in lighting and appliances…
• Drapery cords…
• Lead and asbestos in all kinds of locations…
• Radon….

Gosh, I don’t want to be a nervous nellie or debbie downer, but You are an Adult Now. It is your personal responsibility to become informed about all these issues and to GET AND CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN PROPERLY LICENSED PROFESSIONALS so that you can make informed decisions. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to your and your family’s safety and health. Thank you.

Thanks to Mitzi of Vintage Goodness fame for permission to feature her vintage safety poster, which was for sale (subsequently sold) on etsy.com. 

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