7 Common Air Conditioner Problems and Their Solutions

If you’ve ever had AC problems during soaring temperatures, you know what a struggle it can be.  By familiarizing yourself with these seven common air conditioning problems and their solutions, you can avoid repairs and ensure your comfort.

Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the chemical your air conditioner uses to cool the air and lower humidity. When leaks form in the lines that carry the refrigerant, the unit won’t have enough of the substance to operate efficiently. However, this isn’t a problem you can fix on your own. You’ll need to look at professional AC Repair to fix the leaks and replace the refrigerant.

Freezing Coils

The evaporator coils in your unit carry the refrigerant and remove heat from the air around them. However, it’s critical that these coils are circulated by warm air constantly while the unit is operating. When proper airflow is obstructed, the coils become excessively cold and a layer of ice develops. The result is no cool air from your unit. To solve this, check your unit’s air filter. Clogged filters impede airflow and can cause the coils to freeze.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Your air conditioner’s condenser coils have the opposite function of its evaporator coils. They dissipate heat into the outdoors. When dirt is left to accumulate, the coils can’t let off excess heat. This strains the unit and may cause it to fail. Keep debris and objects away from the coils and use a coil brush and cleaner to remove dirt.

Fan Issues

The fans in your unit pass air from inside over the evaporator and condenser coils. If they’re not working right, it could be from dirt accumulation, worn belts, bad

motors or poor lubrication. Ignoring malfunctioning fans can cause your compressor to fail and leave you on the hook for a new unit. Routine maintenance is the only solution to this issue, and it’ll save you money in the long run. Before you start your air conditioner for the year, contact Actronair to have it inspected and serviced.

Duct Leaks

Ductwork carries cool air from your unit throughout your home or business. If it develops holes or cracks, some of the cool air escapes into the walls and reduces the unit’s effectiveness and efficiency. If you notice high electric bills or poor cooling, it’s worth it to have your ducts inspected.

Malfunctioning Thermostats

Improper calibration may cause your thermostat to send your unit the wrong signals. This can be fixed simply by calibrating your thermostats. Keep in mind that digital programmable models can be easy to miscalibrate, so if they’re not working right, read your user manual to ensure the proper settings. If your thermostats are outdated, replacing them with newer ones, such as from websites like https://serp.co/best/braeburn-thermostats/, will improve your system’s efficiency.

Blocked Drains

The moisture produced by your air conditioner is removed from the unit through a drain line and into a collection pan before finally being deposited outside. If any part of this drainage system becomes blocked, water has nowhere to go except into the unit. This can ruin the unit and even cause water to leak indoors. Keep debris clear of your unit and if there is no water coming out, check the drain for clogs.

Getting Your Kitchen Ready For Christmas

The amount of hard work and effort that gets put into creating delicious meals during the Christmas period requires a kitchen that’s fully prepped and ready for the mayhem that’s about to begin. Without organizing every detail beforehand, you leave yourself open to encountering so many unnecessary issues that can easily be avoided by following just a few simple steps. If you’re in charge of the kitchen this Christmas and want to use your initiative and get ready before all of the hustle and bustle kicks in, then read on to uncover some top tips that can aid you in getting prepared for the most mouth-watering meals ever this festive season. 

Clear Out The Fridge

Around 2 weeks before the festive season is in full swing, clear out every item from your fridge to start afresh with everything you need over the Christmas period. It’s no use simply squashing all of your old food to the back, as it’s going to go out of date very quickly and make the surrounding items inedible at the same time. The amount of extra food the average household purchases during Christmas is just so high, and you have to have the space to accommodate each one of these items without damaging it. Donate anything that you won’t have time to eat at a local food bank rather than simply throwing it in the bin, as this could make someone elses Christmas just a little bit better instead of adding to a landfill. There are so many recipes that can make use of all of those UFO’s (unidentified fridge objects) that cleaning out your kitchen needn’t be a difficult task at all! Once its completely empty, get to work with some warm soapy water and wipe down every surface inside to get rid of any bacteria or lingering smells and make a clean environment for your festive ingredients to sit in wait for the big day.

Get Your Ingredients Ready

One of the worst things you can encounter whilst cooking up a feast on Christmas day is a lack of ingredients, as all shops will no doubt be closed and the products you need will simply be out of reach. This can easily be avoided with a little bit of forward thinking and preparation, as you can sketch up a list pretty quickly when you know which meals you’ll be making. Ensure that you get down to the shops to buy any tinned or long-life ingredients a few weeks before you need to use them, as this will mean you only have the fresh to worry about during the busiest times. Track your progress by removing them from the list as you go, and ensure that you have all that you need for your main Christmas dinner at least 2 days before the big day. Don’t be afraid to stock up, as it’s likely you won’t want to leave your family to go grocery shopping regularly during this time! There’s no harm in buying a little extra, as you may make some mistakes along the way and require more ingredients to start over. 

Prepare All Necessary Equipment 

If you have all of your ingredients but no equipment to cook with, it’s just not going to work. It’s vital that you check (and check again) that you have everything you need, from cookie cutters to saucepans, garlic mincers to serving plates and cutlery, as without even a couple of these your whole extravaganza might just come crashing down.  If an appliance breaks down, check out https://www.markrepairs.com/ to get it repaired. Check that the equipment that you do have actually works, and source an appliance repair service to fix any issues in a timely manner before you have to get going. If you have to replace some items or invest in anything extra but your budget won’t stretch this far, don’t be afraid to look online to find secondhand products that work just as good as new for less than half of the original price. Always be sure to sanitize anything that’s been used before, even if it was just by you, to remove any bacteria and make it clean and ready for whatever task you might need it for.

Make A Plan For Each Meal

This may be quite difficult as it will take some time, but making a plan for each of your big meals during the Christmas period will really help to relieve some pressure. When you make a meal plan, you can better identify which ingredients you need to purchase beforehand, and what equipment you need to get it together, so essentially your whole practice will be improved. It doesn’t have to be in depth – just briefly outline what kind of dish you would like to serve and think about the specifics as the dates get closer. Meals like breakfast do not need a mention, just those that require extra effort and time to prepare. You can check this with all of your guests and attendees to ensure its all fine with them, and follow your plan meal by meal without having to rush around thinking of ideas at the very last moment. 

Getting your kitchen ready for Christmas doesn’t have to take as much strength and willpower as you might initially imagine, as these easy steps make it so simple to prepare in no time at all. Start by clearing out your fridge and cleaning the contents to make way for all of the festive foods, and write your ingredients list in advance to plan out your various shopping trips to avoid being left without. Don’t forget to check that you have all of the necessary appliances for each different dish, and test each one individually to ensure its in perfect working order. If you have a little bit of free time, attempt to make a brief meal plan that covers the big dinners running up to Christmas day, as this will make it much easier for you to cover every little detail and make the experience run as smoothly as possible. 

5 Ways Your Business Benefits from Web-Based Apps

You likely already know how important an online presence is for your business. A good website, regular activity on social media, and an engaging email marketing campaign are probably already in place for your company. However, a strong business presence on the internet doesn’t stop there. An increasingly important element that many companies have yet to incorporate into their online presence are custom web apps for clients, customers, vendors, and other entities they rely on for business success.

Here are five ways your business benefits from web-based apps:

Increased sales

The most attractive benefit of adding web-based apps to your online presence is an increase in sales. For example, a health clinic significantly expands its potential by using telehealth technology. Doctors can diagnose conditions and write online prescriptions without being in the same location as their patients. This significantly expands the potential for a clinic to provide services to its patients. This technique can also be applied to other businesses, such as automotive repair and legal services.

Better customer service

Most people have come to expect customer service options accessible via business websites. Whether it’s chatting with representatives, scheduling appointments, or customizing orders, these hallmarks of customer service in the internet age are typically achieved via web-based apps. Given the expectation to provide this level of customer service, businesses are certain to benefit from implementing web-based apps for this purpose.

Brand awareness

When customers interact with web-based apps in a positive way, they tend to remember it for next time. This is especially true when a company is providing internet-based services its competitors lack. This helps to drive brand awareness for businesses that may otherwise be struggling to make waves in competitive markets. A notable example of this is the rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The convenience of these apps drove brand awareness to the point where millions of people who had been using taxi cabs for decades opted to make the switch to rideshare.

Data analytics

Providing web-based applications for customers can help businesses understand their customers better. The data fed into the app via these interactions can clue companies into the wants and needs of their market without having to outright ask customers or conduct surveys. Web-based apps and solutions like these cloud business intelligence services that remain active and used for years can highlight trends and projections which may otherwise elude companies.

More cost-effective

When a company is able to provide its customers with services via web-based applications, they tend to lower operating costs in the process. A situation where personnel might have been needed is now accomplished via software. Sales can be initiated and fulfilled automatically. Customer engagement becomes a 24/7 possibility whereas an absence of web-based tools means it’s limited to the hours the business is in operation. This amounts to a more cost-effective operation.

It’s likely your business depends on its web presence for much of its success. While a well-designed website, social media activity, and engagement by email are likely already in place, the pieces are not all there yet. The missing element is one or more web-based apps, which are certain to benefit your business in several different ways.

7 Ideas to Create a Workspace Which Will Inspire for Writing

Writing is a true art. You may be working on a blog, news article, tech copy, novel, or even an academic paper for college. Still, each word you type will be another manifestation of art.  For help with your college essay papers, check out customessaymeister.com.

As we all know, art in any of its forms requires inspiration. Without any, it is impossible to keep the words flowing. However, where to look for incentives?

Inspiration can be found everywhere you go and in whatever you do. It is in books, in paintings, in sunrises and sunsets, and in every little thing that surrounds you.

One thing that not every aspiring writer knows is that inspiration can be drawn even from your workspace. Or better say, your perfect workspace is the one that inspires you.

If you manage to create such a space, you will be surprised by how it can affect your workflow. In this article, we are going to give you a few ideas on how to do it.

Can you say that your workspace is inspiring?

It doesn’t really matter if you are a poet, academic writer who prepares a great essay outline for any project, blogger, or just one of the millions of college students forced to write a paper during their studying process.

In any case, lack of inspiration results in a so-called writer’s block that holds you back from creating the best piece. That’s why everyone needs an inspiring workspace, and here are some of the best ideas that will help you to create one:

Choose the Right Furniture

In order to make you feel comfortable and avoid physical stress from long working hours, it is vital to equip your space with ergonomic furniture, like an office chair from Office Monster.

The first prominent feature of an effective space is a good old desk. Some authors prefer spacious and large ones, while others stick with smaller options.

Which one to choose is up to you. The only thing you have to ensure is that you feel comfortable and productive working at it.

The next vital piece of furniture is an office chair. It should be as comfortable as possible, supporting your back and encouraging proper posture to help you avoid aches.

Opt for a Standing Desk

This point is some sort of contradiction to the previous one. However, this might be just the right option for some people.

It is odd enough, but some studies suggest that standing desks can bring lots of benefits, including:

● Decreased risk of heart diseases;

● Better engagement in the process;

● Lower chances of developing musculoskeletal problems;

● Boosted life expectancy;

● Higher productivity.

These are only some of the key benefits of standing instead of sitting while writing. Therefore, standing desks could be an excellent option for those who don’t mind being on their feet for long hours.

Find a Place Isolated from Distractions

This is one of the most critical points you should keep in mind when preparing your working environment. It doesn’t really matter how cozy and inspiring the space is. If you can’t shut out all distractions, you won’t be productive.

Unfortunately, implementing this can be quite hard for some. Especially for young people who are currently obtaining education and live in dorms. However, the good news is that you don’t need to own acres of land and large properties to find a small, isolated, distraction-free corner for yourself.

Keep Windows Open

Let lots of fresh air circulate in the room.

The main reason that makes this a good tip is that fresh air and sunlight can give you a boost of energy. Besides, keeping the windows open, you rid the room of any fumes, which contributes to your overall well-being.

Surround the Room with Books

If you are an experienced writer, you should know that writing and reading are closely tied to each other. For ages, books have been the primary sources of inspiration for authors. Therefore, having a mini (or even a full scale) library right in your office can be great for productivity and motivation!

Decorate the Space with Things That You Like

Are you a fan of paintings or love Christmas lights? Any type of decoration that you like can help in making the environment even more inspiring.

Therefore, feel free to decorate the room with anything that looks good, be it motivational posters, plants, lights, flowers, etc.

Let It Reflect Your Personality

Finally, the best advice we can give you regarding arranging the writing environment is to make it more “you,” meaning to let it reflect your personality.

Every author’s office is unique. It can be small or large, dark or light, empty, or decorated with a variety of items. The only rule is to organize it the way you feel it!

Final Words

What does a perfect writing space look like? Browsing the pictures of famous authors’ workplaces, you can clearly see how different and unique each one is.

Some places are messy and stuffed with notes, books, and papers, while others look completely empty. This means that there is no answer to this question that’s right for everyone.

In brief, the environment you write in should be a reflection of your personality. It should make you tranquil and comfortable. Also, it should shut out all possible distractions.

In this article, we have collected some key ideas on how to create a place that inspires and sets you in the right mood for creating another piece of art.

5 Health Concerns A Parent Might Run Into

As the season’s change, coming down with a cold or flu is fairly common. This is why you should always schedule an appointment with a physician if your child is seriously ill. There are many other things that may seem like an emergency, but aren’t, and will likely clear up in a day or two. As a parent, we want to do everything in our ability to protect our children. Here is a list of health concerns that parents commonly face regarding young children.

Removing Warts

Warts are a fairly common problem which affects 20% of all children. Although warts aren’t necessarily life-threatening, they are contagious and embarrassing. Warts are commonly caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). This is a virus that invades the skin through a cut or scratch. Warts can be found on the palms, between your fingers, or even on the soles on your feet. There are ways to prevent your child from getting warts, such as promoting healthy hygiene. Oftentimes, a doctor will either use a chemical agent or cauterizing pen to remove a wart.

Skin Tags

The moment you notice a skin tag or growth on your child’s skin, it can be a concern. When a person develops a skin growth, you shouldn’t automatically assume it’s cancerous or life-threatening. A skin tag is a benign skin growth that will usually develop in areas that generate excess friction, including the armpit, neck, and groin. Contrary to popular belief, a skin tag isn’t a mole and will seldom turn into cancer. Skin tags are more commonly found on adults, but children who suffer from obesity will commonly suffer from skin tags. You can help prevent skin tags by removing clothing that irritates the skin and by practicing healthy hygiene. Skin tags seldom require medical assistance and will often go away on their own. You can help prevent skin tags by removing clothing that irritates the skin and by practicing healthy hygiene. Skin tags seldom require medical assistance and will often go away on their own. You can get rid of skin tags with the help of a plasma pen from Dermavel. Check out their plasma pen before and after photos that show how effective it is.

Allergic Reactions

Watching your child’s face swell up is every parent’s worst nightmare. It could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. There are a plethora of different things that can cause your child to have an allergic reaction, including insect bites, food allergies, dander, and even chemical allergens. These reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Side effects may include hives, rash, itching, and cause your throat or tongue to swell, which can block the airway and make it hard for your child to breath. It only takes a few moments for an allergic reaction to quickly become life-threatening. Statistics show that more than one million people annually suffer from serious allergic reactions. If you believe your child is having a life-threatening allergic reaction, you should seek medical assistance immediately. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, and vomiting.

Nose Bleeds

It doesn’t matter if you’re a grownup or child, there is nothing more embarrassing than getting a nose bleed. It is fairly common in kids ages 3 to 10. Watching blood pour out of your child’s

nose can seem alarming, but it usually is not as dramatic as it seems. Nose bleeds are common and seldom require medical assistance. There are two different types of nose bleeds: posterior and anterior. Anterior are caused by ruptured blood vessels and tend to be fairly common. Posterior nose bleeds are usually caused by facial or nose injuries. Most nose bleeds are commonly caused by dry air, picking, allergies, or bacterial infection.

Pinkeye Conjunctivitis or as it is commonly referred to as “pinkeye” is a condition that causes the inner eyelid and the white part of the eye to become inflamed. It is common in young kids but not usually serious. If your child contracts pinkeye, it’s important to take them to a doctor as soon as possible. Pinkeye is commonly caused by bacteria or a virus such as a sore throat or respiratory infection which can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear. Luckily, pinkeye is fairly easy to treat with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. You can prevent pinkeye by teaching your kids to wash their hands and by changing their pillowcases regularly.

These are just some of the reasons why you might take your child to the doctor. When raising kids, there is always something that can happen to cause concern. Stay calm and get a doctor’s opinion if you are not sure if it is a problem or not.

Friday Favorites Linky Party – Week 499

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Jennifer at Busy Being JenniferTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! [Read more…]

Rookie Humans Fitted Crib Sheet Review

  Disclosure: I received product samples to facilitate this review. The post may contain affiliate links. The opinions are my own.

Before my son was born I shared our forest friends nursery reveal with you guys.  Unbelievably that was 2 years ago!  Even though he is almost a big two year old, Thaxton still has the same nursery theme, and we’ll be keeping it in place for the next year, if not the next two years, or longer…

Today I’m sharing a new cribsheet that we got for his room.  It is from Rookie Humans. They offer sheets that are soft and breathable; they are 100% soft cotton sateen with a 230 thread count, and they feature the most adorable scenes for your crib or toddler bed! [Read more…]

3 Tips to Ease the Transition to Your New Home

About 40 percent of Americans admit buying a new home is the most stressful event of their adult life. But while finding the perfect home and making this big purchase may be stressful, outfitting your brand new space can be even more so. Luckily, with a little planning and a few tips, you can ease the transition. Keep reading to learn more.

1. First, Agree on a Unified Style

Whether you’re moving in with a roommate or your spouse, you’re going to be blending two styles into one. Unless the two of you have similar tastes, this will inevitably lead to having to get rid of at least some of one person’s belongings.

Choosing a style you can both agree on before you start moving things in is a great way to avoid those awkward arguments about what stays and what goes. If you have two totally different styles, consider starting over with entirely new furniture and decor, with a classic or neutral style that you can agree on together. Shopping at a large scale outlet like Galleria Furniture can be incredibly helpful during this transition, as it allows you to explore different design categories in one place. By browsing through a wide selection of sets, you can find quality pieces that can satisfy both partner’s aesthetic preferences without overextending the budget.
If you are moving into your first home on your own, you’ll still have some decisions to make. The style you had in your last apartment or rental might not feel right in your new home.

style ahead of time will allow you to sell or donate your old stuff before your move, which means fewer things to pack.

2. Then, Set a Budget

Before you started shopping for your new home, you likely figured out a budget. You thought about how much you could spend upfront, as well as what monthly mortgage payment you could afford. You should repeat this process before you ever start outfitting your new home.

Consider the many things you’ll inevitably need to make your house a home, like a bed and a mattress, couches, a dining room table and more. Then, decide how much you can spend upfront on these items. Consider your financing options as well; in fact, financing your big-ticket furniture can help you get everything you need right away, and then allow you to pay for it with affordable monthly payments.

If you’re on a tight budget, stick to the basics first. You can always buy decorative items and accessories later on when you’ve had a chance to build up your savings.

3. Finally, Invest Where it Matters

When you need to fill an entire home with furniture, it can be tempting to buy the cheapest items you can find. Unfortunately, these will still set you back a big chunk of cash. And because they are lower quality, they will likely need to be replaced within a few months or years.

While there are areas you can save, make sure you invest in quality where it matters the most. If you’re anything like the average American, you’ll spend nearly half of your life lying in bed, so buying a comfortable, high-quality mattress is a must. If you have a big family or like to entertain, your living room furniture will also see plenty of wear and tear. Choosing a sturdy, durable couch set will help you avoid tears and lumps after a short time.

Moving into Your New Home

Turning your new house into a home doesn’t have to be a challenge. By blending styles, setting a budget, and investing in the pieces that matter most to you, you can ease the stressful transition and create a space that you’ll love living in.

Important Questions To Ask Before Your Next House Move

Are you thinking about moving home soon?

There are all kinds of reasons as to why you might be.

A house move could give you the opportunity to make a fresh start. You can position yourself nearer to your place of work or your children’s school. And especially if your current home is getting you down, for whatever reason, you will finally have the chance to live life anew in a better property.

But before you rush into any hasty decisions, there are some important questions you need to ask yourself first. While a house move could be a good idea, it might be that you need to wait a little while longer before speaking to a realtor and packing up your boxes.

#1: Can I afford to make the move?

If you’re currently struggling with money, it might be that a house move could be beneficial to you. By downsizing, you will have less to pay on your utility bills, and by moving to a new town, you might see a reduction in some of your taxes. 

However, moving home is an expensive process. Not only do you have a new mortgage to consider, but you also have to deal with legal fees, removal costs, and the expenses imposed upon you by your realtor. So, take a long hard look at your budget first. Research the expected costs of a house move. And use a house loan calculator to calculate the repayments you would be expected to make when looking at your mortgage options. 

If you can afford the move, then great. However, if money is tight and you would be better off making a few savings at home first, then hold fire until you are in a better financial position.

#2: What will I regret if I move?

Sometimes, moving home seems like a sensible idea. As we suggested earlier, you might have very good reasons for wanting to move. However, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of a house move, as you might be left with regrets later on.

Will you miss your neighbors? Is there anything about your current property that you will miss? Will you have to leave your current workplace when you move? Is there anything in your town that holds appeal for you, such as your church, your hobby groups, or your friends? These are just a few of the questions you might want to ask yourself. 

Of course, if you aren’t planning on moving very far, then you might have fewer regrets. And thanks to Facebook, Skype, etc., you don’t have to lose contact with people you know and love. However, it’s still worth thinking through the consequences of a house move, because when you have finally moved, you won’t be able to return to your previous property. 

#3: Can I increase my home’s value?

If your heart is set on moving, then so be it. However, to maximize the sale of your property, you might want to make a few alterations to increase the value of your home. So, you might want to get on top of any repairs that need doing before showing people around your home. You could add smart and energy-efficient features to your property to attract more buyers. And it might be that a little bit of remodeling will do much to increase value, perhaps by increasing the size of your bathroom or by creating an extra room within your home. 

Follow our previous link for some useful advice, and then continue your research to find other ways to raise your home’s value.

#4: What do I require from a house move?

Depending on your budget, you will have a lot of choices when it comes to deciding where to live. However, considering the expense of a house move, it is important that you set criteria for what you need before signing on any dotted lines of a contract. 

So, think about the location your home should be in. You might want to be near your place of work, for example. If you have a family, having close access to local schools might also be important to you. Then there are local amenities to consider, such as shopping malls, parks, and leisure facilities.

Think about the kind of house you want to live in too. You might need extra space if you have family moving with you. You might also need extra space if you intend to work from home, or if you want to use a part of your home for your hobbies. Alternatively, you might want to move into a smaller home if you are looking to reduce your expenses. You might also favor specific features in the property, such as those smart items we suggested earlier, if you’re looking for something modern, or if you want to save money.

Before beginning your house search then, write down your criteria for the must-have and nice-to-have features for the property and the location, and use that as a checklist to help you make the right choices. 

 

If you are planning on moving soon, then we wish you every success and happiness with your plans. But consider our questions first, as hopefully, they will help you make the right decisions for you and your family.

 

Thanks for reading.

 

9 Dangerous Materials That Could Have Been Used To Build Your Home

House Home Site Construction Estate New Home

The building industry has boomed in recent years and with scientific advancements surely our houses can’t be harming us? Sadly, the truth is that the construction industry is full of hazardous materials, both natural and synthetic, that could be harmful to both humans and the environment.Below are 9 of the most toxic building materials as outlined by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), a US-based sustainable building certification program. Do you have any of them in your home?

  1. Lead
    Lead is a highly toxic metal which easily crosses into the bloodstream. Found in old lead-based paints, roofing materials and even some children’s toys, a build-up of lead in the body over a few months or years can cause lead poisoning leading to severe mental and physical impairments. Most lead-based paints have been banned nowadays however some may remain in older houses. Children are most susceptible to lead poisoning as they tend to put things or their fingers in their mouths,
  2. Asbestos
    Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring minerals with fibre-like structures. Asbestos is fire retardant, heat resistant, and non-conductive making it a useful material in the building industry. However, prologued exposure to asbestos has been found to be very damaging and can lead to a number of health conditions including cancer and mesothelioma.  If you’ve been diagnosed with mesethelioma then a mesothelioma attorney may be able to help you. Many countries have now banned the use of asbestos but it still remains in many old buildings.
  3. Fibreglass
    Fibreglass is a commonly used type of insulation made up of tiny fibres of glass. Fibreglass in its solid state isn’t in itself toxic but when cut and trimmed it causes dust which is easily inhaled. Of you come into contact with these tiny glass fibres through fibreglass dust they can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and throat and lead to conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. 
  4. Polyvinyl chloride – PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a cheap and commonly used type of plastic most often used in drainage pipes and insulation for electrical cables. PVC’s contain phthalates and dioxins which interfere with the bodies hormones and can affect the function of the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal, pituitary and reproductive glands. PVC’s are also classified as carcinogens and could lead directly to cancer.

        5. CadmiumCadmium is a soft and malleable metal which is also resistant to corrosion, this means that it is often used as a form of protection for other metals such as steel. Cadmium fumes and dust can cause fluid build-up in the lungs and high levels of cadmium exposure have been linked to cancer. 

6. Silica – Silica is a naturally occurring substance found in most rocks including sand and clay. Silica dust can be very dangerous and can be released as a result of any process which breaks up rocks or stone. If silica dust is inhaled over a long period of time then it can lead to lung infections and lung cancer. Volatile organic compounds

7. Volatile organic compounds or VOC’s are man-made or natural substances with a low boiling point, which means that a lot of their molecules evaporate into the air. In construction VOC’s are most commonly found in solvents, paints, adhesives and coatings. VOC Testing in California helps to find these compounds in your home so that you can help keep your family safe. If inhaled, these compounds can cause memory loss, irritation to the lungs and damage to the kidneys, liver and central nervous system.

8. Halogenated flame retardants- Halogenated flame retardants are incorporated into building materials to stop the spread of fire. When exposed to heat halogenated flame retardants turn into toxic substances that can enter the body through the respiratory system leading to the disruption of the bodies hormones. 

9. Creosotes – Creosotes are often applied to wooded materials to help preserve them for longer periods of time. They can also help to prevent the wood from rotting under wet or damp conditions. Coal-tar creosote is one of the most commonly used types of creosote and is also the most toxic, having been proven to directly cause cancer. 

Many of these compounds are only harmful if inhaled or ingested and so as long as they remain in their solid-state within your home, you are not at risk. The people most at risk from these materials are builders who have to work with them on a daily basis, demolition experts who risk disrupting their solid state and maintenance workers who may need to cut and disturb materials in order to make repairs. If you need to deal with any of these materials then be sure to wear the correct protective clothing, including gloves, goggles and a respiratory mask.