Currently, there are no studies that document harm to the baby during normal and incidental exposure to paint i.
The only studies that note the potential for miscarriage and malformations have to do with the higher levels of exposure through recreational use sniffing and inhaling regularly.
If you have been exposed to paint, rest assured that the likelihood of any problems is low. Let your health care provider know of any paint exposure and together you can discuss the potential risk.
Illinois Teratogen Information Service U. Painting While Pregnant. Is it Safe to Paint While Pregnant? If you are just too excited and you must paint the nursery, make sure you follow these guidelines to decrease the likelihood of paint exposure: Protect your skin by wearing protective clothing that includes long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves Be certain that the room and house are well ventilated; open the windows and turn on fans Limit the time you spend on the project; take breaks and move into the fresh air frequently Keep your food and drinks away from the area so solvents and chemicals will not accidentally be consumed Occupational or Industrial Paint Occupational and industrial paint circumstances ie… painting cars warrant concern because of the consistency and level of exposure to paints and solvents.
What about pregnancy and recreational use? What if I have been exposed to paint already? What are the recommendations and precautions? Can I get pregnant if…? In fact, according to the U. Environmental Protection Agency, pregnant women should avoid newly painted rooms and their harmful odors for at least two days after the job is done. If existing paint needs to be removed from the outside of your home, hire someone to do it and avoid the area until the job is completed for the day.
Be especially careful if your home was built before Homes like this may have paint that contains lead, which can raise your risk of miscarriage or developmental delays in your infant. There are some household cleansers that pregnant women should avoid. Check the labels and avoid products that say they're toxic, since they may contain risky solvents. For example, oven cleaners and window cleaners often contain glycol ethers, which have been known to increase a woman's risk of miscarriage , and most mildew removers contain phenols, which may increase risk of birth defects or fetal death.
To find out more about what's in home and cleaning products, go to householdproducts. Plus, most cleansers contain strong-smelling chemicals like ammonia or chlorine, which won't hurt your baby but may make you queasy. A good guideline: Keep your windows open while cleaning and wear gloves, or opt for a natural cleanser, which can do the job without triggering pregnancy-related nausea. Simple baking soda can work wonders on bathtubs and ovens, while a vinegar-and-water solution effectively cleans glass and countertops.
While there's no concrete proof that normal exposure to these chemicals poses a significant risk to your baby, recent studies have suggested that larger quantities may harm the fetus. For instance, one study found that pregnant women who lived within a mile of locations where agricultural pesticides had been regularly applied were at increased risk for fetal birth defects.
The takeaway: If you're a mom-to-be it's probably safest to avoid pesticides whenever possible. In addition to pesticides, don't use insect repellents that contain the chemical deet.
Although its effects have not been thoroughly studied in pregnant women, there are some concerns about its toxicity. However, if you must have your home or property treated with pesticides, follow the guidelines below:. The risk of harm to your baby may be slightly greater from solvent-based paints and old paintwork, which may contain traces of lead. For this reason, you should avoid using solvent-based paints and stripping old paintwork while you're pregnant.
If you're concerned about the risk of paint fumes affecting your baby, you should avoid doing any painting and decorating while you're pregnant. Volatile organic compounds VOCs can still be found in some paints, but you can usually pay a small amount more for an organic or VOC-free option.
So while some paints may be safer than others, your safest bet is to leave the house while someone else paints — and wait to return until the fumes are gone. The first trimester is the most sensitive time, as key organs and body functions are being developed.
A study suggests congenital abnormalities in the renal and nervous systems of babies exposed during the first trimester to solvent-based paint.
Activities in the months leading up to conception may matter as well. Continued exposure to paint over time is one of the main risk factors in the studies cited, and increased exposure naturally increases the risk to the baby. Another potential risk associated with painting is using a ladder to reach higher surfaces, which can be dangerous for pregnant women who may experience less of an ability to balance than usual. Consider waiting 2 days after a surface has dried to spend extensive periods of time in a freshly painted room, such as a bedroom or main room.
Most paints are very safe. However, exposure to paint and its fumes has the potential to cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and throat.
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