Are you planning to paint your house? One of the major concerns that you may have is the toxic fumes that paints normally create. To minimize your exposure to these fumes, you might wonder what are some of the best ways to ensure you get perfect health and you don’t have to experience any major health concerns.
If you’re trying to paint your house yourself, or you’re hiring someone to do it for you, always follow the health and safety tips listed below:
Before & During Painting
- Make sure the area you’re going to paint is well-ventilated. Open all the windows and doors in the room to allow fresh air to circulate.
- If possible, avoid painting when it’s hot outside. The heat will accelerate the evaporation of the paint fumes, and increase your exposure to them.
- If it’s too hot, prepare a separate room where you can paint. It doesn’t have to be large – just enough for the painter and another person who will work with them, like a neighbor or friend.
- Keep your pets away from the area while you’re painting. Pets are very sensitive to chemicals, so they may get sick because of the fumes.
- If you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid painting altogether. The fumes from paints can be harmful to both you and your baby.
After Painting
- Allow the paint to dry completely before you turn on the room’s heater or air conditioner.
- After you’ve painted your home, it’s best not to eat and drink inside the house for at least two days. Paint fumes can contaminate food and drinks, especially milk and oil-based paints.
- Limit your exposure to paint fumes as much as possible during this period. If you can, avoid going into the room where you painted.
- Wash your hands and face thoroughly after coming in contact with paint fumes.
- If you start feeling sick after painting, see a doctor right away. Don’t try to treat yourself, as you may not know what’s wrong.
ALSO READ: 9 Pro Tips to Get the Best Exterior Paint Job for Your House
Some Safety Precautions to Consider While Painting Your House
Health and safety concerns can arise when you’re painting your house. Here are some precautions that you may want to take into consideration:
Use Safety Equipment: When painting, always use a respirator mask to avoid breathing in fumes, as well as gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes.
Choose the Right Paints: Some paints contain harmful chemicals, so it’s important to choose the right type of paint for your project. Latex paints are a safer option than oil-based paints, as they contain fewer toxins.
Stay Safe From Lead Poisoning: If your home was built before 1978, there’s a possibility that it contains lead paint. Lead poisoning can be very dangerous, so it’s important to take precautions to avoid exposure. You can have your home tested for lead paint, and if it does contain lead, you can have it removed by a professional.
Following these health and safety tips will ensure that you don’t have any major health problems once you paint your house.
Painting a house can be hazardous and a laborious task. If you don’t want to risk your health & save your precious time, Budget & Save Painters in Vancouver can help you. Call us at 778-737-8989 and get a free quote for your paint job.
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