ALLERGY TO BUILDING AND DECORATING MATERIALS: WHAT SHOUL YOU USE TO AVOID THE ALLERGIC PROBLEMS

Fillers

There are various kinds of fillers. Two basic kinds are reasonably trouble-free – acrylic fillers used to fill gaps and cracks, providing ahard surface once §et, and cellulose fillers used to fill finer holes, providing a less hard surface.

Acrylic fillers can give off fumes on use and can cause sensitivity at the time, but do not usually cause problems over their life. Brand names are Unibond, Evo Seal, W. H. Smith Do It All Acrylic Filler.

Cellulose fillers cause no sensitivity problems, although the dust can irritate. Brand names of these include Polyfilla and Tetron. Most DIY chains have their own-label cellulose filler.

Expanding fillers are based on a foam which hardens once in place. They contain isocyanates and are best avoided. Exterior fillers contain resins and can cause reactions. Use only if essential

Dry-lining a wall with an insulating layer can help solve persistent condensation problems on external walls (see Insulation, below).

Floor Sealants

For varnishes and lacquers to seal wood and cork floors. If you need to seal quarry tiles, use linseed oil. This is available by post from Livos. You can also use linseed oil as a sealant on cork floors, as well as varnishes and lacquers.

Grout

Grouts for tiling often contain fungicides and these types are best avoided. Grouts are either cement-based or epoxy-based. These can burn or irritate the skin on contact when using them, but do not cause persistent sensitivity. Cement-based grouts are less troublesome on use. Cement-based grouts without fungicide include Polycell Tile Grout, Evostik Wall Tile Grout and Evostik Floor Tile Grout. The colourings in coloured grouts are usually minerals and do not cause sensitivity.

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