Before beginning your renovation project, carefully inspect and survey the areas you wish to renovate. Determine what needs to be replaced and what new materials will be required. Evaluate whether you can tackle the work yourself or if you'll need professional assistance.

Additionally, identify any hazardous materials present in your home that may be disturbed during the renovation process. Common examples include lead-based paint, asbestos-containing materials, and mould. Lead-based paint is often found in older homes, typically hidden under layers of newer paint on walls, windows, doors, and stairs. Asbestos-containing materials can appear as insulation, floor tiles, or roofing shingles.

It's crucial to handle these toxic materials properly. It's best to have them removed by professionals, as dust generated during renovation activities such as sanding, scraping, or demolition can cause adverse health effects.

Tip: During the renovation, try to keep a materials logbook, which records what materials have been used in the renovation and construction of the property. This will help with future renovations and may also be useful if you ever want to remove specific contaminants that are linked to a particular health problem.

When you're planning your renovation, think about what furniture, housewares and decorations you want to keep and what you want to renovate. Look for ways to reuse or repurpose existing materials and furnishings in your home instead of buying new ones. For example, you can refinish old furniture, salvage architectural features or reuse building materials from demolition for new projects. This not only helps to reduce waste, it adds character and uniqueness to your renovation. Refurbishing existing items also avoids introducing the unsafe chemical emissions associated with new furniture and materials into your home.

Tip: Soft filler in furniture (e.g. armchairs, sofas) wears out with prolonged use and may emit chemicals hazardous to health. When renovating such furniture, keep the wooden base, as it does not pose any danger during long-term use, and replace the soft filling and upholstery with a new one.

Assess your skills and the complexity of the project to determine whether you can handle certain tasks yourself or if it's best to hire professionals. While DIY can save money, it's essential to recognize your limitations and seek professional help for complex or specialised tasks to ensure they are done safely and correctly. 

Tip: If you decide to do the renovation yourself, make sure you have personal protective equipment: gloves, goggles, respirators and protective clothing.  Protective equipment helps prevent exposure to harmful substances and reduces the risk of skin, eye or respiratory irritation.

Often we do renovations, with a great desire to finish it in time for some date or event (for example, to the beginning of the school season or the birth of a baby).

A construction timeline can help to coordinate various tasks and ensure that materials, equipment, and labour are scheduled efficiently to minimise delays and avoid disruptions.

Creating a timeline you should take into account that certain construction materials and processes, such as painting, staining, or applying adhesives, can release harmful chemicals or fumes into the air. Allowing adequate time for these substances to dry and providing proper ventilation helps minimise exposure and reduce health risks.

Tip: When organising renovations in one room while your family continues to live in other rooms, developing a timeline becomes crucial. It helps identify periods when work with a higher risk of releasing hazardous chemicals or fumes—such as phthalates, phenol, or formaldehyde—will occur. If there are sensitive groups in the family, like pregnant women and children, it's advisable to plan for temporary accommodation elsewhere during these periods to reduce potential chemical exposure.

Make a comprehensive list of the materials you'll need for your renovation project. Take the time to consider everything from tools to finishing materials and personal protective equipment.

To make sure you're making informed choices, it's a good idea to check the catalogues and websites of reputable manufacturers of renovation materials. Look for manufacturers who are transparent about the chemical and environmental safety of their products. This research will help you choose trustworthy materials that meet your health and sustainability values.

A detailed list of materials will enable you to make right choices and avoid the discount trap. Cheaper materials may seem attractive, but they may compromise safety, contain harmful chemicals or lack durability. Prioritising quality and safety over price will ensure a successful and sustainable renovation.

Tip: When making a list of materials for renovation, evaluate each of them according to the following criteria. Favour the materials that meet the greatest number of criteria:

-toxics content;

-availability;

-longevity;

-repair;

-recycling;

-material quality;

-price.

Investigate and make a plan for disposal of hazardous materials, construction waste, and chemical products according to local regulations and guidelines. Contact your local waste management authority for guidance on proper disposal methods and locations.

Tip: Try to minimise construction waste by recycling or reusing materials whenever possible. Donate usable items like cabinets, fixtures, and appliances to local charities or recycling centres. 

What is it? 

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids: paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, building materials and furnishings. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors. 

How do they get into the body?

These chemicals enter the body mostly by inhalation.

What are the health consequences?

VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Exposure VOCs can result in an array of health consequences, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; headaches and impaired coordination; nausea; as well as potential harm to the liver, kidneys, central nervous and pulmonary system . Additionally, certain VOCs are either suspected or confirmed carcinogens.

Tip: If you use products only occasionally or seasonally, such as paints, paint strippers, buy only as much as you will use right away to avoid storing leftovers after use. This will help reduce VOC emissions during storage.

What is it?

Formaldehyde, a common VOC, deserves special attention. It is commonly found in many building materials such as composite wood products (plywood, chipboard), paints and coatings, and adhesives. In addition, formaldehyde can be found in certain fabrics and some types of foam insulation. 

How do they get into the body?

The main route of exposure to formaldehyde is through inhalation of air containing off-gassed formaldehyde.

What are the health consequences?

While some people are more sensitive to formaldehyde, others may not react at all when exposed to the same level of the compound. Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat. High levels and prolonged exposure may be linked to certain types of cancer.

Tip: Formaldehyde levels in homes can also be reduced by ensuring adequate ventilation, moderate temperatures, and reduced humidity levels through the use of air conditioners and dehumidifiers.

What is it?

Flame retardants are a big group of different types of chemicals added to manufactured materials to inhibit, suppress, or delay the production of flames and prevent the spread of fire. Commonly retardants used in building construction materials (electrical wires and cables, thermal insulation foams) furniture, textiles, carpets, and insulation materials.

How do they get into the body?

The primary pathways for human exposure to flame retardants typically involve inhaling contaminated dust within enclosed indoor environments at home or workplaces, as well as ingesting dust deposited on hands or consuming food tainted with these chemicals.

What are the health consequences?

Flame retardants are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It means that they are highly persistent, have a high potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification, as well as for long-range transport. 

Adverse reproductive, developmental, behavioral, neurological, endocrine, and immunological health effects have all been linked to flame retardants. And it is important to note that children are more vulnerable to toxic effects due to their ongoing brain and organ development. Numerous studies indicate that children experience higher levels of exposure compared to adults.

Tip: After fininshing reconstruction remove dust to decrease the level of flame retardants. Keep your house floors and surfaces as clean as possible. Vacuums equipped with HEPA filters can more efficiently trap small particles and dust, and will also help to remove other contaminants and allergens from your home. 

What is it?

The group of heavy metals includes substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium and some other metals. These metals may be found in paints, coatings, plumbing fixtures, electrical components, and insulation.

How do they get into the body?

Exposure to heavy metals can occur through inhalation of dust, ingestion of contaminated materials, or dermal contact. 

What are the health consequences?

Heavy metals, especially lead, can pose serious health risks for children: 

- damage to the brain and nervous system

- slowed growth and development

- learning and behaviour problems

- hearing and speech problems

Also lead has adverse effects for pregnancy course:

- increase risk for miscarriage

- cause the baby to be born too early or too small

- hurt the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system.

Tip: When engaging in renovation activities that may generate dust containing lead, it's crucial to employ proper tools and techniques to minimise exposure and to prevent dust and debris from escaping into the rest of your home: use heavy plastic sheeting, mist areas before sanding, use vacuum cleaner with HEPA.

What is it?

Phthalates (or plasticizers) are a family of chemical compounds primarily used to make plastics such as polyvinyl chloride or vinyl flexible, pliant and durable.

Phthalates can be used in flexible adhesives and sealants, flooring and wall coverings, building and construction products (for example, roofing materials, waterproofing membranes, and electrical cord insulation)  and some decorative materials, like carpets.

How do they get into the body?

Phthalates contaminate indoor dust and air, so our bodies can be exposed by inhalation.  Children with their hand-to-mouth behaviour and more contact with the floor, are more likely to have exposure through ingesting contaminated dust. 

What are the health consequences?

Some phthalates are recognized or suspected to act as endocrine disruptors, affecting and modifying the human hormone system. Additionally, phthalates are thought to potentially pose significant reproductive risks, particularly in males.

Tip: Avoid PVC building and decoration materials. For example, install a glass shower screen rather than use PVC shower curtains.

Drywall—also known as wallboard, plasterboard, gypsum board. It has a huge number of advantages, but you need to know some nuances in order to choose the most safe types of panels. 

Drywall is made from gypsum: a mixture of joint compounds, adhesives, and facing. The gypsum used to make drywall can be: mined, produced synthetically from coal-fired power plant waste or recovered from recycled drywall. Drywall which is synthetically produced from coal waste can be a source of mercury, which can lead to kidney damage and adverse neurological effects. The most common facing material of drywall is paper. However, fibreglass mat, aluminium foil or vinyl can also be used for special applications.The last type of facing can release plasticisers, which in turn can have endocrine disruption effects. 

Drywall is highly susceptible to mould growth in high humidity conditions, so it is often treated with biocides to prevent this process. Long-term exposure can lead to allergy, respiratory issues, and endocrine disruption. This aspect should be taken into account for vulnerable groups: children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases.   

During cutting, sanding, and finishing of drywall, fine gypsum dust is generated, which can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. Prolonged exposure to this dust can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis and some other lung diseases. 

From an environmental perspective, the production, use and disposal of drywall involves the high consumption of energy and the generation of waste. It is estimated that ten per cent of drywood needed for a project ends up as scraps. Sustainable practices such as using recycled materials, optimising installation to reduce waste and encouraging recycling can help to reduce adverse environmental impacts. 

Tips to choose the perfect drywall panels:

1. To avoid hazard substances and select the most sustainable option choose drywall in order of priority: natural gypsum drywall with post-consumer recycled content - natural gypsum drywall without recycled components - drywall with synthetic gypsum.
2. Avoid using mould resistant (with biocides treatment) drywall where not required.
3. For rooms where mould and moisture might be an issue, like bathrooms, use non-paper-faced drywall.
4. For cases you DIY renovation involves cutting or sanding drywall, wear protective equipment (e.g. fitted respirator). Make sure the work area is properly isolated from the rest of the house.
5. Try to calculate the required amount of plasterboard as accurately as possible to minimise waste.
6. Try to find specialised recycling projects and to pass the drywall scraps for recycling. 

Wood-based panels are construction and renovation materials based on wood particles bonded together by chemical resin. Depending on wood particles size and their arrangement there are several types of panels: OSB (oriented strand board), MDF (medium density fibreboard), plywood, particleboard (chipboard). These types of panels have different appearance, mechanical characteristics and purpose, but they are widely used for renovation, including dry construction approach.

One important unifying feature of wood-based panels is that they are formaldehyde emitters. Modern legislation strictly limits the permissible emission of formaldehyde from building materials, and some manufacturers are making efforts to completely eliminate the use of formaldehyde resins in the production of panels. However, it is important to remember that panels can be a source of other VOCs that pose risks to human health. 

The production of wood-based panels requires a large amount of energy, primarily during the pressing and drying stages. However, recycled wood can be used in the manufacture of wood-based panels. And at the end of life, most wood-based panels can be recycled, which adds to the circularity and waste minimisation benefits of these materials. 

Tips to choose the perfect wood-based panels (healthy and sustainable):

1. Choose low-emitting products whenever possible. Look for products labelled as "no added formaldehyde" or "ultra-low emitting formaldehyde”. Select panels finished with low or no volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions.
2. Select certified sustainable wood: choose panels certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).
3. Taking into account your engineering solution, select panels in order of priority: plywood - strand board (OSB) - MDF/particleboard.
4. Look for ecolabels, like Greenguard, ensuring that interior products and materials that have low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage.
5. Choose panels made from recycled wood or wood waste, which reduce the demand for virgin materials and promote circular economy practices.
6. Ensure adequate ventilation during and after installation to reduce exposure to any VOCs or dust particles.
7. Select locally sourced wood-based panels to reduce transportation emissions and support local economies.

Most standard acrylic and latex paints are now considered "low VOC" with less than 50 grams of VOCs per litre (g/L). Improve your selection by choosing paints with very low (<10 g/L) or zero VOCs (<5 g/L).

Since some ingredients may not be listed on the label and in safety data sheets (like nonylphenol ethoxylates, phthalates), ask the manufacturer (or seller/dealer) to provide you with the product Safety Data Sheet, or check the manufacturers website. This not only allows you to find out the full composition of the paint, but also shows manufacturers that consumers care about what's in their products. 

Such paints may contain additional biocidal additives that are not safe. 

Such as those certified by Green Seal, Blue Angel, EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan Ecolabel. These certifications indicate that the paint meets the set of safety criteria characteristic to a particular ecolabel and should be free from critical harmful chemicals.

Paint production consumes significant resources, including water and electricity, so buy only the amount of paint you need. Consider the performance and durability of the paint for your project.

Even with low-VOC paints, avoid using the same paint for walls, ceilings, and furniture in one session, as the combined VOC levels may still pose health risks. Renovate in steps to reduce exposure.

Whatever environmentally friendly paint you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding PPE and ventilation. Dispose of any leftover paint according to local regulations.

Solid wood floors are a good flooring option, made from a single piece of wood without additional binder. While it is often considered a natural and durable option, the health risks primarily arise from the use of finishes (topcoats) that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, contributing to poor indoor air quality and respiratory issues. You can purchase hardwood flooring that is already finished. It has been sanded and stained at the manufacturing facility. This cuts down on the work required at your home as well as VOC’s exposure.

Engineered parquet floors consist of a top layer of real hardwood veneer glued onto a core of plywood or other wood-based material. The advantage of engineered parquet flooring is that it comes pre-finished, which makes it less time-consuming to install, and also that it is quite durable, as it can be sanded and repainted at least once. An important aspect to consider is that glues and wood composites may contain formaldehyde. Therefore, when choosing this type of flooring, it is necessary to pay attention to the emission class. 

Cork flooring is a unique solution as it is mould and moisture resistant, naturally fire retardant, dust free, warm and cushioning. It is a natural product made from the bark of the cork oak tree, and since it is harvested without harming the wood, it is renewable. 

However, the composition of cork floors can vary greatly and some options may contain harmful binders.  Be aware that some cork floors may contain a PVC (vinyl) layer or a decorative layer containing PVC or similar material. Avoid such products. Give preference to products that are pre-finished at the factory and do not require additional finishing on site.

Ceramic and glass tiles, popular for their durability, safety and aesthetic appeal, are ideal for high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Be aware of buying tiles made and certified in the EU to avoid lead glaze. Also, choose materials without additional chemical surface treatment.

Natural linoleum is valued for its eco-friendliness and sustainability and doesn't contain any toxic substances. It is mainly made from renewable materials such as linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour and jute. Natural linoleum can be recycled.

Be aware that some linoleum floors may have additional layers for soundproofing, which may raise additional concerns. 

It is also important to note that synthetic linoleum is also available on the market. This type of flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic material derived from petroleum. Once installed, it can release volatile organic compounds and is not biodegradable. PVC linoleum also contains additives (such as phthalates and flame retardants) that are  harmful to health and the environment.

Laminate is a synthetic product that imitates wood, stone or tiles and is made up of several layers, typically including a core of high-density fibreboard and a photo-coated top layer. Although laminate is often favoured for its affordability and ease of installation, you should be aware that it can be a source of health problems.  Some types of laminate contain adhesives and resins that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause respiratory problems, headaches or allergic reactions. 

Laminate flooring can also be problematic to dispose of as it is not biodegradable and often ends up in landfill, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Despite its variety of colours and textures, cheapness and ease of installation, vinyl is probably the worst flooring option in terms of health, sustainability and production impact. 

Firstly, it is a non-renewable petroleum-based material.

Some vinyl flooring can contain harmful chemicals, such as the well-known phthalates, which can be released from building materials for years after installation. The effects of phthalates on the human body have been linked to hormone disruption. 

Because PVC is not biodegradable, most of it ends up in landfill or is incinerated at the end of its useful life.

Recycling schemes that recycle vinyl flooring and then use the recycled material to make new flooring are now gaining popularity. However, extreme caution must be exercised as the incorporation of recycled vinyl into new products is a major pathway for hazardous substances. Post-consumer recycled vinyl can contain hazardous lead, arsenic, PCBs and plasticisers. That’s why when choosing vinyl flooring that contains recycled materials, great precaution should be taken. Check with the manufacturer for the type and source of recycled content or entirely avoid recycled PVC for indoor use.