Grayson West
Home projects usually focus on cost, style, or durability, but health is becoming harder to ignore. Many everyday materials once considered safe are now tied to long-term problems. Some give off harmful chemicals while others create hidden hazards like mold or toxic dust. And their presence in homes makes awareness essential. Here are 10 you should know before your next project.
PVC Flooring
PVC flooring may seem like a bargain. It’s cheap, water-resistant, and everywhere. However, here’s the catch—phthalates in it have been tied to hormonal disruption. It also releases VOCs that harm indoor air quality. Over time, the material can degrade, slowly leaking toxins into the home environment.
Lead-Based Paint
Once common in homes, lead-based paint left a dangerous legacy. This was banned in 1978, but countless older buildings still contain it. As the paint breaks down, lead dust spreads through the air and settles inside. That dust poses serious health risks, particularly causing neurological damage in children.
Bitumen Roofing
Flat roofs and bitumen usually go hand in hand. The material is budget-friendly and widely used. Still, it carries hidden risks. Bitumen contains carcinogenic hydrocarbons, and the fumes generated during installation can render the air unsafe. And as it heats up, it releases even more toxins over time.
Coal Tar Sealants
Driveways frequently owe their deep black finish to coal tar sealants. These products are heavy with PAHs, many of which are known to be carcinogenic. After being applied, these toxins don’t just stay outdoors—dust sticks to shoes and gets tracked into the home. With health risks adding up, several U.S. states have banned their use.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation might sound like an easy fix, but it hides a serious downside. The material contains isocyanates, chemicals that irritate the lungs and trigger asthma. Skin reactions are also common. Even after installation, the foam can release harmful fumes for weeks. And once it hardens inside the walls, removal is nearly impossible.
Formaldehyde In Plywood
That “new cabinet smell” isn’t always harmless. The culprit? Formaldehyde in plywood. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists formaldehyde as a human carcinogen, which is far more concerning than an unpleasant odor. This chemical can release fumes for years following installation, leading to nagging respiratory irritation.
Gypsum Drywall With Sulfur Compounds
Walls built with certain types of drywall have caused problems that no one expects. Imported panels containing sulfur compounds are associated with respiratory issues. They emit hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, both harmful gases. Beyond health concerns, they also damage wiring and fixtures. It’s a reminder that not all drywall is equal.
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is praised for being non-combustible, which makes it seem safe. The reality, however, is different. Fine fiberglass strands often cling to the skin and, if inhaled, can lodge deep in the lungs, creating potential long-term issues. Chronic respiratory irritation is a common risk, so installers are required to wear protective gear before handling the material.
Silica Dust From Concrete
Concrete work may seem routine, but the dust tells another story. When cutting, grinding, or demolition begins, tiny silica particles drift into the air. They’re invisible, yet they travel deep into the lungs. Over time, they can cause silicosis and lung cancer. That’s why OSHA keeps exposure carefully regulated.
Asbestos Insulation
Few materials went from trusted to toxic as quickly as asbestos insulation. Its fibers are invisible and can remain in the lungs for decades. Even the health risks are severe, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Though banned in more than 60 countries, it still lingers in older schools and homes, posing ongoing danger.