6 Materials To Avoid In Your Kitchen Remodel (and Why)

Are you planning a kitchen remodel in West Palm Beach, FL? Know that certain materials may contain toxins that can harm your health. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the materials you should avoid when planning a kitchen remodel and why they should be avoided. 

Formaldehyde-Based Products

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas found in certain building materials, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard. 

Inhaling or ingesting formaldehyde may cause respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, sore throat and burning eyes. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. 

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring may contain phthalates which are chemicals used to make the material more flexible but phthalates have been linked with various reproductive issues including infertility in males and females; decreased sperm quality; early onset puberty; hormonal changes; reduced testosterone production; abnormal genitalia development (in males); birth defects (such as heart malformations); impaired brain development; altered behavior; and obesity.

Lead Paint

Lead paint was once widely used on interior walls or cabinets before being banned due to its toxicity levels. However, older homes may still contain lead-based paint, making it important to test for lead prior to conducting any renovations where lead-based paints could be disturbed leading to potentially hazardous particles becoming airborne.

Exposure to elevated levels of lead through inhalation, ingestion and skin contact can result in serious health concerns. It’s important to conduct proper tests before starting renovation projects involving tearing down old walls, especially those built pre-1978 when this type of paint was widely used.  

Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation

Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) contains a chemical called urea which releases formaldehyde when heated up, thus making them toxic indoors. 

Prolonged exposure to urea-formaldehyde foam insulation can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, wheezing, sore throat and burning eyes. It may also cause headaches, nausea and eye irritation. Long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. 

Asbestos 

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was used in insulation and other building materials prior to its ban in 1989. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues, such as respiratory diseases, mesothelioma (a type of cancer), and lung cancer. 

BPA-Containing Plastics

BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical found in certain plastics and resins. It has been linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, cancer, heart disease and other health problems.

When planning your home remodeling project in Port St. Lucie, it is important to avoid using materials that may contain toxins or be hazardous to your health. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of SE Florida can help you select the safest and most healthy materials for your kitchen remodel. Send us a message or call us today to get started: Stuart: (772) 200-2625, Jupiter: (561) 935-3915.