Working with chemicals is a dangerous prospect to anyone’s health but none more so than pregnant women or those suffering from allergies. Many paint products contain harmful emissions that enter the air once opened.
These can enter your body quite easily through breathing which can be hazardous to not only your own health but the baby’s as well. For people who experience allergic reactions to certain substances they should be extremely vigilant when selecting the type of paint they are going to use. If a harmful toxin is evident in your choice then certain substitutes will be available without the specific ingredient e.g. solvent based paints can be replaced by water based ones.
Pregnant Women
It is easy to simply state that pregnant women should perhaps not be painting in the first place but with a new addition to the household comes a whole new room to set up. Furthermore, painting is best done when you have time to spare e.g. on maternity leave so it makes sense for pregnant women to consider it suitable to undertake the task. It can be a joyous occasion decorating a new child’s bedroom and something that should not be missed simply due to the mother’s physical condition. However, certain safety precautions should be taken and guidelines followed in order to prevent any unfortunate accidents.
Allergies
Similar to pregnant women it is also easy to say that those of us with allergies should avoid painting altogether but this is often not feasible. Skin contact is a big aspect that needs careful avoidance. The toxic chemicals can seep into the blood stream if exposed to the skin for a sustained time. As discussed previously there are safer solvents than others so always checking the ingredients is a must. People with skin allergies can suffer painful rashes if they come into contact with specific types of paint which contain trigger irritants, oil based paint being a key one.
There are many preventative methods to help those with allergies so that they do not become exposed to the dangerous chemicals. Wearing protective clothing so such as coveralls and face masks keeps particles coming into contact with the skin and fumes entering breathing passages. Keeping the room well ventilated is another important component to safe painting as the harmful gases can escape. Finally, washing your skin and clothes immediately after contact with paint should be adhered to so as to not leave time for substances to have an effect on your body.
