Painting While Pregnant
Is Painting Harmful to Unborn Children?
Pregnant and still trying to paint? I have some professional advice and concerns you should read before doing so. The saying better safe then sorry really applies here. We need to protect and take care of the unborn, this is our inherent responsibility. “There are basically three categories of paint which pregnant women could be exposed to latex, oil, and enamel. The degree of toxicity during pregnancy is challenging to predict because there are currently no methods of measuring actual exposure. The likelihood of paint toxicity depends on the chemicals and solvents found in the paint along with the amount of exposure.” (American Pregnancy Association). With the constant changing of paint formulations due to EPA regulations how do we know?
According to the CDC, latex or water based paints pose no reproductive risks. Additionally, the short term exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy is generally considered safe. The key here is short term exposure. The greatest risk of any harm to your growing baby seems to be in the first trimester. Beyond that, most experts don’t see a problem with pregnant women painting. What concerns me here is the statement “generally considered safe”. So if your baby is born with any health issues do to paint fumes and someone said “it was generally considered safe”? How would you feel?
During pregnancy it's best to avoid unnecessary exposure to any chemicals whether it is paint, a medication, cleaning agent or any harmful chemicals. When it comes to some of these simple ingredients just use common sense of what you think will be okay to spray and what may not be okay. You cannot undo exposure nor undo something you breathed in so avoid the toxins as much as possible. For more information on the specific toxins or chemicals that you may be handling check out sources like the FDA and CDC websites listed below.
It is your body and your choice on what you expose yourself and your baby to but remember, think risk versus benefit. According to the CDC, “latex or water based paints pose no reproductive risks. Additionally, the short term exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy is generally considered safe. The key here is short term exposure. The greatest risk of any harm to your growing baby seems to be in the first trimester. Beyond that, most experts don’t see a problem with pregnant women painting."
How important is it that you paint that room? If there is no risk the answer is easy. If you feel there is any risk, you'll will need to ask yourself if its worth it. Remember, you can't undo exposure so if you're having uneasy thoughts and second guessing yourself just take the safe road and wait until you are comfortable. Here is some more information and sources you can look into about the safety and precautions you should know when doing this line of work pregnant.
What about lead? Lead can be found in: Paint and dust in older homes, especially dust from renovation or repairs. I have videos on how to quickly and easily test for lead based paint Click Here. If you are pregnant do not do any sanding or disturbing of lead based paints. Some may be curious what effects lead has on our newborn babies? Here are a few: can damage your baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system as well as cause your child to have learning or behavior problems.
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http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/paint-and-pregnancy/
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tools/are_you_pregnant.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/epoxiesresins.html
http://www.health-and-parenting.com/can-paint-nursery-pregnant/
During pregnancy it's best to avoid unnecessary exposure to any chemicals whether it is paint, a medication, cleaning agent or any harmful chemicals.
Chris Berry - The Idaho Painter
