When choosing materials for your new kitchen or home remodel, it is important to make sure they do not contain potentially harmful chemicals or pollutants. Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, an expert on kitchen remodeling in the Birmingham, AL area, will discuss the most common materials to avoid and provide some alternatives for your kitchen renovation project to ensure a safe and healthy home environment.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong odor that can cause respiratory problems when inhaled at high levels over time. It is commonly found in pressed-wood products such as particleboard and plywood paneling used for cabinets or countertops. This chemical can also be found in many adhesives used on furniture pieces or carpets made with synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester carpet padding. While there have been improvements over the years in reducing the amount of formaldehyde emitted from these products, it’s still something you want to watch out for when selecting items during your kitchen remodel process.
Vinyl
Vinyl has become increasingly popular as an affordable option for floor covering. Unfortunately, it also contains PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which releases hazardous compounds into indoor air, including lead and phthalates (chemicals linked with health issues). These toxins can then settle on surfaces throughout your home, making them dangerous if touched or breathed in by children or pets living inside the home. Plus, their emissions increase further if exposed regularly to direct sunlight! If opting for vinyl flooring, don’t use ‘no-wax’ varieties – they tend to have higher amounts of these hazardous compounds than regular versions.
Particleboard
Particleboard is an inexpensive material made from wood chips held together by glue containing formaldehyde. It may release small amounts of this gas into indoor air even after its installation – often referred to as ‘off gassing’. Not only does this pose potential dangers through inhalation, but many studies suggest prolonged exposure increases the risk of developing certain cancers, too.
Alternatives To These Materials
Fortunately, plenty of alternatives are available such as natural wood, ceramic tile or metal materials. Natural wood is a great option because it does not release any toxic gases into the air. Ceramic tiles come in various colors and styles that can easily transform your kitchen with minimal effort. Plus, they do not contain any harmful chemicals like PVCs found in vinyl flooring. Metal materials such as stainless steel or copper offer durability and sleek designs to your new space without introducing any toxins, either.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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