Here are a few facts about paint fumes and pregnancy: Generally speaking, the risk associated with household paints is low, although the risk of harm may be greater when working with paints that contain solvents other than water. What if you’re pregnant? Can exposure to paint fumes affect your unborn baby? They found that higher levels of a specific type of VOC called propylene glycol and glycol ethers led to a greater likelihood of conditions, such as asthma, eczema, and rhinitis. Interestingly, latex paints don’t contain any natural rubber latex and don’t affect people with latex allergies.Ī study published in 2010 investigated VOC levels in children’s bedrooms. Paint and allergiesĬan exposure to paints or their fumes lead to an allergic reaction?Įxposure to environmental irritants such as strong paint fumes can certainly trigger conditions such as asthma. Generally speaking, water-based paints give off lower levels of chemical vapors and VOCs. irritation of the eyes, nose, or throatĮxposure to high concentrations of VOCs for extended periods can cause long-term damage to certain systems of the body, including:.Short-term side effects from inhaling VOCs can include: Irritation should go away when you go out into fresh air. They can also be potentially harmful when swallowed, particularly oil-based paints.Īdditionally, the fumes from these types of paints can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat. Paints can cause irritation if they get onto your skin. People living in a building with lead-based paint need to take extra precautions when performing home improvement projects that may expose them to peeling or chipped paint.Įxposure to paint fumes: What are the risks?Īre paint fumes harmful? Can they make you sick? Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead is a metal that can be very toxic and cause a variety of health problems. You may have heard about lead-based paint. When shopping for paint, check the labels to get an idea of a product’s VOC levels. Low-VOC and no-VOC paint products are available for purchase. Ideally, you should aim to limit your use of products that generate VOCs and take safety measures when using them.

VOCs are released into the air as gases from solids or liquids that contain organic chemicals, such as paints and varnishes.Įxposure to VOCs can sometimes lead to short or long-term health effects. Alkyd, or oil-based paints, use solvents other than water, such as organic solvents.Latex, or water-based, paints contain water as the primary liquid, although some other solvents may also be included.There are two different types of indoor paint: In addition to these two ingredients, other ingredients or additives are often present. It can then be applied to walls or other surfaces. On the most basic level, paint is pigment that’s dissolved in a liquid called the solvent.

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