Home » Uncategorized » Paint Fumes & Pregnancy: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Uncategorized

Paint Fumes & Pregnancy: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

yaro

April 10, 2024

192 Views 0

SaveSavedRemoved 0

When preparing the nursery, most women prefer to be hands-on. They sometimes even do all the work themselves. In contrast, it is pretty safe for them to do the careful lifting. Painting the room while pregnant may not be safe with the fumes and chemicals involved, whether in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester.

We all know that most products have strong smells, that even just opening a can will already give anyone a whiff of its signature scent. Many manufacturers are now producing solutions that they claim emit little to no smell. Are they still genuinely safe for any expectant mother to use?

And what about the other related activities, such as stripping old paint off the walls and other surfaces? Can those who are in various stages of their pregnancies also do it?

There is a bit of a gray area with this topic, and this is what we will dive into in this article.

Is It Okay to Paint While Pregnant?

There are no precise results yet on the effects of paint on expectant mothers, so it may be okay to do while pregnant. However, there are still some aspects that pregnant women should be careful about. That is why they must always take safety measures seriously.

One of the biggest concerns is exposure to paint fumes during your pregnancy’s 1s, 2nd, or 3rd trimester. There have been studies that try to understand the effects during pregnancy. They focus more on recreational and occupational painting activities than one-off house painting and the like. The data is still insufficient that scientists and doctors cannot make a definite conclusion yet.

But when it comes to fumes, these studies have shown a slim chance of an unborn baby being affected by it. The same cannot be said for those directly exposed to such fumes, pregnant or not.

When painting, the mother gets directly affected by the fumes. The baby may not. But with, constant exposure may affect the baby as well. This exposure can result in various health effects for both the mother and the child, such as:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Issues with the central nervous system and renal system
• Kidney or liver damage
• Miscarriage
• Slow development of the baby while in the womb
• Premature birth
• Birth defects and abnormalities, particularly in the face and ears
• Development delays and learning issues
• Acquisition of childhood ALL or acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Not all paints have the same effects, as certain types are much safer for them to use. We will discuss these in a later section.

Aside from fumes, exposure to lead is also a genuine concern. It’s especially if the home is old and was built in 1978 or earlier. The use of lead was very prevalent back then, and there is a big chance that this type was used for any old house constructed within that time frame.

It is normal to strip down or sand old walls before painting the room with another color. If there is a chance of lead being present, testing must be done first before doing so. These activities will create plenty of dust, toxic if lead is present.

Lead test kits can immediately indicate whether lead is present on the surface or not. Even if painting only the nursery, it is good practice to check the entire home for its presence to address any problem immediately. Bulk lead test kits must be used since basic kits are only suitable for a limited number of uses and are only enough to test one room.

It will hardly pose any health issues if it is still in good condition. It becomes dangerous when there are signs of damage on the wall itself. This damaged part can result in toxic lead dust or chips that cannot be seen nor smelled and is dangerous when inhaled. With prolonged exposure, this can lead to lead poisoning that may result in death.

Testing for lead in such homes should never be skipped. The health hazards associated with lead poisoning are serious and can be fatal, with pregnant women especially vulnerable to it. This is because lead will enter the bloodstream. Unlike fumes, the lead can easily get through the placenta and affect the unborn baby.

Lead-related health effects that both mother and child can experience include:

• Spontaneous abortion
• Seizures
• Gestational hypertension
• Low birth weight
• Behavioral issues
• Growth and development delays
• Anemia
• High blood pressure
• Respiratory problems
• Abdominal pain, which can lead to premature birth
• Peripheral neuropathy and other neurological issues of the baby
• Death

Because of these risks, pregnant women should never do any work that may involve lead-based paint or any exposure. But if working with safe products, women may do the actual work. It’s as long as they use certain pregnancy-safe types.

Safety Precautions to Follow

Paint exposure happens in three ways: inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. This is why it is easy for anyone to be put at risk.

The best way to avoid any associated risks is to get someone else to do it. Women can still do it while pregnant if they follow the different safety precautions before and during, and after the work is done. These include:

• Consulting with the doctor if it is safe to do so, as it may not be safe for high-risk pregnancies
• Using only products that are safe to use. If possible, checking with manufacturers if theirs can be used by expecting mothers.
• Make sure that the room is well-ventilated by opening all doors and other openings so that the fumes will not be trapped in the room.
• Cover up the entire body by wearing overalls or long-sleeved shirts and pants. Wear goggles and gloves to prevent chemicals from coming into contact with the skin.
• Wear a face mask or respirator, particular those that have been approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It helps avoid the inhalation of fumes.
• Never work on any surface that has tested positive for lead. Someone else must do all the work that involves such exposure.
• Stay away from the vicinity of the house or any structure while lead removal and the subsequent cleanup are ongoing. The risk of exposure to the lead dust or chips even if they are not doing the actual removal is highest during those times.
• Only doing small projects, such as a nursery. They should never do projects that will take a long time to finish, such as trying to do the entire house. This exposes them to fumes for longer periods.
• Immediately leaving the room when they start feeling unwell, especially at the first signs of lightheadedness or nausea. Expectant mothers should never push themselves to finish the job if they are already feeling ill or uncomfortable.
• Going on breaks every now and then, ideally as often as every 15 to 20 minutes. During those breaks, they must see to it that they get fresh air.
• Not climbing up ladders and keeping both feet firmly on the ground when painting. There is a shift in the center of gravity while in a pregnant state, so climbing up on ladders will be dangerous.
• Never eating or drinking inside the area where work is ongoing, as this can lead to contamination of food.
• Washing up afterwards, even if there are no splatters present on the skin.
• In case it gets on the skin, it must only be removed using soap and water. Never use chemical removers, including acetone.
• Allowing the newly done room to be kept well-ventilated for a few days, and avoiding entering the room during that period.
• Discarding cans and any leftovers properly after the work is done.

For most people, painting can be done at any time. But for those who are expecting, they must never do it during the first trimester. This is the period when the organs of the fetus are being developed. Painting may cause irreversible effects to the baby, such as congenital birth defects. Not only that, but the risk of miscarriage is also higher during this time.

The third trimester is also not ideal, as expectant mothers often have mobility issues during this period. They may have difficulty moving around, especially due to the size of their bellies and the added weight they are carrying. It will make many tasks a challenge for them. Going up on ladders is especially risky for them, as they can easily get off-balanced.

The second trimester is recommended for pregnant women to paint because safety risks are lower, ideally starting at 14 weeks. The fetus’s organs have mostly developed, the chance of miscarriage is lessened. They are more stable in terms of mobility. However, this does not mean they can ignore safety measures.

Always following the different safety measures is a must for an expecting mother, protecting the mother and the child.

3M

Make sure you have the right respirator for the project. We recommend you use the following one from 3M.

Types of Paint That Are Safe to Use

Whether painting the nursery walls or doing some arts and crafts, there are certain products that pregnant mothers should never use. There are also those that they can use but in moderation.

Lead-based paints are on top of the list of products that must be avoided at all costs, not just by those expecting. While this type has been banned for residential use since 1978 in the US, they are still produced for industrial purposes. While not likely to be used by a pregnant lady, it helps to know where these are still used. That way, you’ll know what to avoid to prevent lead exposure.

Ones that contain high levels of volatile organic compounds biocides are not recommended for pregnant women. They are commonly referred to as VOCs. These VOCs include:

• ethylene glycol ethers
• toluene, alkanes
• xylene
• acetone
• ethanol
• mercury
• and so much more

Before purchasing a can, it is important to check the label for any VOCs present. Labels normally indicate if VOCs are present.

The more VOCs, the stronger the fumes. That is why expectant mothers should not use any strong-smelling product to avoid the risks associated with these chemicals.

Solvent-based are also referred to as oil paints. They are typically used outdoors. They are known for their strong vapors due to the high VOCs present, making them unsuitable for pregnant mothers. And if you recall from the previous section, these fumes can have various health effects with prolonged exposure.

Mothers exposed to solvent-based products containing toluene for lengthy periods may give birth to babies with tiny heads and are smaller than average. It resembles those with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Some of these and related chemicals are known to contain high solvent levels. It includes paints manufactured, like these.

• quick-drying
• stains
• varnish
• varnish removers
• alcohols
• lacquer
• and some acrylic and latex ones, too

Water-based latex and acrylic paints are much safer to use than solvent-based ones. Caution is still needed when using them. Some latex options still contain VOCs, although less than oil ones. Any risks associated with them are still present but to a lesser degree. That is why checking the label of cans to see any VOCs used is necessary.

Also, latex in liquid form may irritate the mouth and skin with direct contact. At the same time, the fumes can trigger eye irritation. While latex-based ones are safer to use than solvent-based ones, it does not necessarily mean that these are pregnancy safes.

Expectant mothers should only use products labeled as having low to zero VOCs present and are of the non-toxic variety.

Low VOC & Pregnancy

From the previous section, we know that low VOC solutions are best suited for those who are in a pregnant state. But what exactly makes this kind ideal for them?

Volatile organic compounds are known to contain carbon and will immediately vaporize. It is known as off-gassing. Once they come into contact with other elements present in the air, ozone that is dangerous to both humans and the environment will be produced. This compound is responsible for the signature smell that we know. That is why this smell is the best indicator of the presence of VOCs.

Long periods of exposure to VOCs are already hazardous to anyone. This risk is even greater for a pregnant lady, as even her child may also be affected by it. This is why ones known to contain high VOC levels should be avoided.

On the other hand, Low VOC paints contain minimal solvent levels and formaldehyde. They also contain fewer heavy metals, making them safer to use by anyone. They typically have VOCs below 50 grams per liter. The problem is that no regulation sets limits for it. One labeled as a low VOC may contain VOCs even higher than that amount.

This uncertainty regarding the actual amount of VOCs present in products labeled as a low VOC one makes using this type still risky for pregnant women. That is why wearing safety gear is a must even when using these.

But compared to solvent-based options, these low VOC products do offer some benefits. They include things such as:

• It has less contaminants that can pollute the land, water, and atmosphere.
• Chances of triggering the allergies of those sensitive to paint and chemicals are lessened.
• It has good coverage and can easily hide flaws of the surfaces, as well as the previous coats.
• Minimal to no fumes present when being applied to any surface, and has no odor after the curing period.
• It’s not classified as a hazardous waste, making disposal easier.

Meanwhile, natural paints use raw ingredients and minerals that are completely natural. It includes:

• plant resins
• oils
• dyes
• water
• clay
• talcum
• essential oils
• natural latex
• chalk
• milk casein
• earth mineral dyes
• and beeswax.

They can also be water-based and have no smell or oil-based but emit a fragrant scent, depending on the essential oil used.

Unfortunately, the ingredients used in their manufacture may have VOCs present. This means they are not VOC-free, even if they use only organic ingredients. Some minerals used as color pigments, such as:

• zinc
• cadmium
• cobalt
• and manganese

They are considered toxic and may be present in these, so it is still vital to check the ingredients used even in such products.

On the other hand, Zero VOC classifications should not be taken literally. They still contain minuscule VOCs but do not exceed the set limit of the EPA Reference Test Method 24. It is 5 grams per liter. As a result, any product with VOCs less than that amount can be classified as a zero VOC option.

They contain minimal VOCs. They’re additives such as fungicides and biocides that may raise the level of VOCs present in this type. They are still considered ones with zero VOC present.

As a result, pregnant women should only use natural or low to zero VOC solutions and ensure they are completely protected as the work is being done. Those with a Green Seal are also recommended. They must have VOCs less than 50 grams per liter for flat paints and 100 grams per liter for non-flat ones.

Safe Brands

It can be a daunting task to know which paint brands are pregnancy safe with so many to choose from. Fortunately, we have come up with a list of those brands that either have low or zero VOCs or are entirely natural.

Low VOC options

• Ace Royal Interiors – It’s an affordable option that is self-priming, as well as eco-friendly.
• Behr – It’s also environment-friendly and does not require a primer. Its price tag ranges from cheap to expensive, depending on the type.
• Benjamin Moore – It’s capable of covering a surface with just a single coat, it is considered premium and pricey. Also has zero VOCs available.
• Clark + Kensington – It’s also an eco-friendly and self-priming solution whose price falls in the middle range.
• Cloverdale Horizon – It has various finishes available.
• Color Place Ultra – They’re cheap but eco-friendly.
• HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams – It comes in affordable and high-priced variants and does not require a coat of primer. It is also environment-friendly.
• Kilz – They are also affordable and self-priming.
• Miller Paint – It has very low VOCs.
• PPG – It retails at a low price and is considered green. Also has zero VOC.
• Prestige Paints – It’s a premium solution that is good for the environment and skips the need for a primer.
• Sherwin Williams – They are high-end options that are capable of self-priming and is also eco-friendly. Also offers zero VOC.
• Valspar – It offers options for all types of budgets.

Zero VOC

• AFM Safecoat – latex-based with various finishes
• Allied PhotoChemical – It offers products and inks that are also UV-curable, but mostly to manufacturers.
• American Pride. – It offers latex and acrylic enamel-based products.
• Devoe Wonder Pure – They’re latex-based and do not emit fumes.
• Earthpaint – They’re primarily for finishing wood, floors, and decks.
• Earth Safe Finishes – They’re solutions for different purposes, not just for residential use.
• ECOS Paint – It offers varnishes and stains that are also free of ethylene glycol.
• Enso – They’re ethylene, glycol-free and with various finishes available.
• Frazee Paint EnviroKote – It features various finishes, as well as primers.
• Glidden – It’s environment-friendly and easy on a budget.
• Homestead Paints – It comes in flat or low-sheen finishes.
• ICI – It has various finishes for both interior and exterior use.
• Kelly-Moore – Their ENVIRO-COTE line does not have VOCs.
• Olympic Paint and Stain – It’s considered a premium brand.
• Vista Paint – It has minimal odor.
• Yolo Colorhouse – They’re products with fewer fumes.

Natural Paint

• Anna Sova – It’s made from titanium dioxide, food-grade ingredients, and milk casein.
• Auro – It manufactures water-based solutioons, adhesives, primers, finishes, and stains.
• EcoDesign’s Bioshield – It has various products and finishes available.
• Green Planet Paints – They’re clay, plants, and minerals-based. They also offer zero-VOC.
• Livos – It is used for wood whose oil-based coatings are made using linseed or citrus.
• Master’s Blend – Its tung nut oil-based finishes gives wood a natural look, but it can also be used on concrete and brick.
• The Real Milk Paint Company – It offers ones made using milk protein, clay and earth pigments, and lime
• Silacote – It’s especially for masonry, wallboard, and concrete.
• Weather-Bos – They’re finishes, paints, and stains that offer a natural look and monolithic bond for wood.

No matter which is used, what is essential is for a pregnant woman to keep her and her baby safe throughout the activity. Before starting any project, we urge you to consult with a licensed medical practitioner.