Re: Is it safe?

Posted by Kelly M on September 10, 2003 at 06:39:40:

In Reply to: Re: Is it safe? posted by April on September 09, 2003 at 08:58:40:

Question: Is it safe to paint during pregnancy?
Kristina Kahl: This is a tough call because we don't know exactly how the chemicals and solvents used in paint affect a fetus. The simplest and safest answer is to let someone else do the painting or save this project until after the baby's born.

Painting exposes you to oils, resins, solvents, driers, extenders, vinyl, latex, and acrylic. The pigments in paint can include metals such as lead, zinc, and aluminum. Because painting involves so many chemicals, and because it's so difficult to measure how much of the various substances the body actually absorbs, it is difficult to know the exact risks to pregnant women. (If you've already been exposed to these chemicals, but haven't felt ill, don't worry. The chances your baby will be affected are small.)

Of particular concern is lead-based paint, commonly used before the 1970s. If you scrape lead paint you could inhale lead dust, which could be harmful to both you and the baby. Scraping or sanding any kind of paint is definitely not recommended since it could contain lead. Leave removal of lead-based paint to professionals, and have them do it while you are out of the house.

Some evidence suggests that exposure to chemical solvents during pregnancy may increase your risk of having a baby with birth defects. One study, by the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, found that women who regularly engaged in hobbies that used solvents — such as repairing cars, painting, and furniture stripping — had a two to four times higher risk of having a baby with gastroschisis (an opening in the abdomen through which the intestines protrude). In other words, these women had a one in 1,250 to one in 2,500 chance of delivering a baby with gastroschisis, compared to one in 5,000 for women not exposed to solvents.

Of course, the degree of chemical exposure is much higher for someone inhaling solvents on a regular basis. Researchers don't know what the effects are on a pregnant woman who just wants to paint the nursery. Although it's best to avoid these types of exposures, don't worry if you were exposed to painting chemicals before knowing you were pregnant. The possibility that you've caused any harm to your baby is quite small.

If you must be exposed to these chemicals because of your occupation, then take the following precautions:

• Limit the amount of time you spend on the project, if possible. (Because it's hard to say exactly how much exposure is safe, you'll have to use your best judgment.)

• Keep the windows open to avoid inhaling paint fumes, and make sure to wear a mask or ventilator to screen out harmful particles.

• Wear gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin.

• Do not eat or drink where you work so you won't accidentally ingest any chemicals.