Do-it-yourself (DIY) is good for saving money and can even be quite fun, but that doesn’t change that there are risks to DIY around the home. Paul Cochrane’s video on DIY safety touches upon various issues that you may face with your DIY projects, and below, we will cover the risks you may take on.
Dangerous Building Materials
Some homes are built with materials that should not be interacted with; for example, until the 1970s, asbestos was approved for use as an insulation material. However, asbestos exposure may lead to several risks, including multiple strains of cancer. It’s not just asbestos you need to look out for, as silica, a material still used in houses to this day, can result in similar health issues.
Unwanted Contaminants
That said, not everything you need to look out for is meant to be there. For example, if you have any mice, cockroaches, birds, or bats living or who have lived in your home, you may find their droppings in the wall. Exposure to animal droppings can negatively impact people with asthma or other breathing issues. Another exposure risk comes in the form of mold, which is not uncommon to be found in walls.
Electrical Risks
If you aren’t careful with your DIY project, you run the risk of hurting yourself or damaging your home. The last thing you need is any emergency tooth extractions. If you are doing anything invasive with your home, you should make sure to be an expert or hire one.
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