For last year alone, the total spent on remodeling exceeded $140 billion. But with $930 billion in refinancings this year and the volume of cash-outs remaining high even in the face of the economic downturn, last year's numbers will probably pale by comparison.

Coupled with the increase in spending is an increase in fears over the kinds of pollutants hiding behind the walls of especially older houses.

Before the events of Sept. 11 and concerns over bioterrorism, the effects of toxic mold on long-term health were just being explored.

Toxic mold probably will remain an issue among real estate agents, insurers and the population as a whole long after terrorism is brought under control.

However, there are pollutants generated in the normal course of renovations that can contribute to health problems.

The American Lung Association has come up with a number of suggestions regarding how to minimize pollution during the course of renovation.

One thing the association doesn't emphasize is trying to get the remodeling contractor completely on board to handle your concerns about indoor pollutants.

You can follow all the suggestions about hiring a contractor -- references, warranties and licensing -- but if the contractor doesn't seem to care as much as you do about limiting pollution, problems will linger long after he or she has packed up and left.

While there are any number of issues to consider, here are 10 of the most important:

1. Although there remains a spirited debate over the dangers of radon, it might be wise at this time to have a test for radon performed by a qualified and certified inspector. If the levels of radon are sufficiently high, and you are among those in the population who view it as a health threat, remediation becomes much easier when floors and walls are torn up in a renovation, since a ventilation system including a pipe that often runs from basement floor to the roof might need to be installed.

2. Since remodeling can raise dust and other pollutants, residents with respiratory problems might need to find other accommodations during a project. That is why it's so critical to pin down a contractor on starting and completion dates for the project.

3. As the project is being designed, have a professional check to see if the heating and cooling systems are in working order and if they are adequate to handle the needs of the house after the renovation. If such changes are required, have the contractor take precautions to prevent carbon monoxide from building up in the house during the work -- properly placed carbon monoxide detectors should be installed.

4. Once the project begins, the work area should be isolated from the rest of the house by plastic or zipper doors that are readily available to consumers.

5. The work area should have an exhaust fan or fans powerful enough to draw contaminants safely.

6. Debris has to be removed regularly and safely, and disposed of properly. For example, paint chips might or might not contain lead additives, but if the chips are dragged through the house on the bottoms of shoes or on pet's paws, cleanup of even harmless debris becomes a herculean task. Make sure that the contractor makes arrangements to dispose of the debris following municipal code.

7. Speaking of lead paint, and for that matter, asbestos, use this opportunity to find and remove these materials before the renovation project gets underway. Use state-licensed professionals to do the work, and make sure that your house is thoroughly tested by an independent inspectors after the work is done to make sure the airborne particles have been completely removed from the house.

8. The Lung Association recommends running the furnace filter constantly during the renovation work to ensure proper air circulation and filtration. That means changing the filter frequently, and using high-efficiency filters to capture all the pollutants. Make sure you close the air ducts in the work area so dust and contaminants aren't drawn in the work area.

9. Use a respirator. This is not simply a dust mask but the expensive ones with replaceable filter canisters that are regularly changed and properly disposed of.

10. Finally, isolating the work area will not prevent all pollutants from escaping. The lung association suggests looking into buying a couple of highly efficient air cleaners and putting them in work and living areas to further protect the environment.

In addition to the American Lung Association, another good resource is HealthHouse.org.

For more articles by Al Heavens, please press here.

Published: November 1, 2001

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.