Can roofing shingles make you sick?

Can roofing shingles make you sick?

The only established health effects of exposure to asphalt fumes for short periods of time (that is, for a few minutes or hours) are irrita- tion of the eyes and upper respiratory tract (i.e., the nose and throat). According to the medical literature, irritation, if it does occur, is usually mild and temporary.

Is roofing bad for your body?

Some epidemiological studies of asphalt workers suggest that they may be at increased risk for skin, lung, stomach, and bladder cancer as well as leukemia. Other studies have been inconclusive. Skin contact with the roof tar has been shown to cause tumors in laboratory animals.

Can a new roof cause allergies?

Yet a new roof installation can turn into a real headache (and a very literal one) if bad choices are made and certain procedures are not followed. People with asthma, allergies, migraines and small children are especially susceptible to odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and noise.

What does roof tar smell like?

It began after she had a hail-damaged roof replaced with dimensional shingles. This odor doesn't necessarily always permeate the whole house (but it sometimes does). Some have described the odor as chemical, ashy, and/or sweet.

How long does new roof smell last?

While the smell can typically last between a few weeks to even months, you can hasten the process by putting in better ventilation in your attic or use turbine vents to push the smell out of your home.

Why are asphalt shingles bad?

These shingles have been overexposed to the elements and are curling and lifting as a result. This lifting leaves the roof and your home exposed to further damage. Often excess moisture gathers underneath these shingles which can result in the growth of moss and mold and may also lead to water leakages.

Is roofing a fun job?

A roofing career certainly won't be a good fit for everyone, but for the person who likes to learn about an industry from the ground up, it can be an exciting and rewarding career. If you think roofing is a career that you might be interested in, give us a call or view our open positions on our careers page.

Why is roofing so dangerous?

It's bad enough that a fall might kill you, but roofers face a whole host of other on-the-job hazards as well. Burns from volatile tars and chemicals, electrocution from contact with exposed power lines, and injuries from falling tiles and other roofing debris are just a few of the risks roofers face each day.

Is the smell of roofing tar harmful?

Can inhalation of roof tar odors aggravate my condition? Yes, the roof tars can irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate the condition of a person with asthma or other lung conditions. People with asthma should avoid breathing roof tar fumes.

Why does tar smell so bad?

Using hot roofing tar can easily cause odor complaints because the odor is strong (pungent) and can be smelled at very low concentrations in the air. Odors from rubber roof adhesives have a sweet organic odor (solvent odor) that people begin to smell when the concentration in air is much higher.

Can a Dirty Roof / House make you sick?

While not all mold (fungi) and algae pose a health danger, some are harmful, especially for us older folks, younger children and people who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems. Their spores, which are on your roof, can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and walkways from rain, and are easily tracked inside.

Can a roofing job cause indoor air quality problems?

Air emissions from roofing work can cause serious indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in occupied buildings (see below, "A Roofing Job Gone Wrong").

What do you need to know about roofies?

Roofies also known as the date rape drug, is a dangerous substance that can leave you in a very bad position. There are symptoms and signs that you can look for to know if you have been “roofied.”

Why do I get a headache when I'm on the roof?

If occupants complain of headaches, dizziness, or nausea, this may indicate that people are being exposed to excessive amounts of roofing fumes or vapors. These complaints should be immediately brought to the attention of the roofing project manager.