Most Common Allergies Triggered by DIY

Do you have any allergies? If so, it might be worth reading this before doing your next DIY project in the house. By changing a room or a whole building, you are stirring up a lot of elements, moving things, releasing things, and exposing yourself and possibly your family to them too. In addition to this, you are using chemicals and tools which have the potential to provoke allergic reactions. Like with any health and safety, it’s good to know what could happen before you begin a project.

Here are some of the most common allergies that can be triggered when doing DIY around the home:

Dust: Many people with asthma and eczema are allergic to elements contained within dust such as dust mites and other small particles. This can include any pollen stirred up in the dust. Moving furniture, removing carpets, and so on stirs up an incredible amount of dust even if cleaned and vacuumed first. Wear masks to help stop you inhaling any dust if you are allergic and wear gloves to protect your hands.

Mould: This may be an ever present and is usually a good reason for undertaking a renovation or remodeling. Mould can be stopped by preventing damp at its roots, either in the foundations or by capping roofs and walls. As with dust, masks and gloves can help reduce the chances of a reaction.

Cleaning Products: It is well known that cleaning products contain toxic substances. This includes chemicals which can trigger an allergic reaction. Formaldehyde, ammonia, and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) are just three of these chemicals. You can mitigate these risks by reading the labels and avoiding such substances. Furthermore, a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice mixed with a quart of water and sprayed onto a cloth can be just as effective.

Paint Fumes: There have been a number of reported cases of people being allergic to the smell of paint. Chemical hypersensitivity can occur with other substances too. There have been cases of people being allergic to the paint even after it has dried on the walls, so it is worth double checking.

Each specific allergy can be treated with medication from a doctor including nasal sprays, medication and inhalers if you has asthma. It is possible to be allergic to just one of these or several. Each person’s body is unique and reacts differently. Naturally, if someone has confirmed asthma and/or eczema then a reaction is more likely.