If you are a parent, you are always concerned about things around your home that could be a hazard to your children. Toys, furniture, electrical outlets, and many other items all could pose a problem. Even when decorating or updating your home with paint you’ll need to be cautious.
The smell of paint might be unpleasant to adults, but it can be hazardous to children and babies. Before you begin any paint project in your home, consider the effects on your children and how you can protect them. Make sure the paint and products you use are kid safe.
Keeping Little Ones Safe while Painting
Every parent wants their children protected, healthy, and safe. Knowing what to do when painting your home while children are around is important to keep them from the effects of paint fumes. If you are getting ready to paint your house or a nursery for a baby on the way, understand that your paint project can safely continue with the proper precautions.
Years ago, parents had to worry about lead being in paint. Although lead-based paint has not been used for decades, there are still certain types of paint that should not be used in your home.
Conventional paints are full of harmful chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These harmful emissions can have serious side effects on you and your children’s health.
Having an infant in the house adds to the risk of painting because children are much more susceptible to the fumes than adults are. There is a way to paint your house even if you have young children, just be sure to take the necessary precautions.
1. Use the Right Paint
When shopping for paints, you should look for labeling that reads 100% zero-VOC and non-toxic. You want to make sure the paint you choose is going to be safe for the well-being of your children.
Another option is to ask for paint without a primer. There are fewer chemicals in paint if you get it without the primer in it. Fewer chemicals mean a safer environment for your child.
If you’re worried about mold, mildew and other unhealthy elements getting into your baby’s nursery or children’s playroom, try using paint with antimicrobial agents. These are safe paints that help keep mold and mildew away. Other types of paints you can try are latex paints or paints without solvents.
2. Open the Windows
A good rule of thumb you can follow when you have children in the house is to open a window up in any room you are painting. Opening the windows ensures that the paint fumes are not trapped inside your home. You can also turn on the exhaust.
Most of the VOCs in paint are emitted when the paint is drying. It can still cause issues for weeks after the painting is complete. A well-ventilated room helps remove the smell so that it does not linger in your home.
3. Reduce Exposure
For limited to no exposure to paint fumes, it’s best to keep your children out of the home while it is being painted and while the paint is drying.
While your home is being painted you could remove the kids from the home altogether. Make plans for them to stay with grandparents or a relative for a few days. This is the best way to make sure they are not exposed to the smell of paint for too long.
If you are working on painting only one room at a time during your painting project, hire a babysitter to watch your children while you paint.
Symptoms Caused by Paint Exposure
Here are some common symptoms that occur when paint fumes are inhaled, especially if using paints containing VOCs:
- Sore and raw eyes, nose, and throat
- Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- Visual impairment and headaches
- Loss of coordination and dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathing difficulties
- Coughing
- A feeling of being lightheaded
- Allergic skin reaction
- Fatigue and even some memory loss
Protect Those You Love
Many paints today are a lot safer than they used to be. Paint manufacturers are attempting to make painting easier and less harmful to use by making the fumes less harmful.
At Battle Born Painting, we’re here to help keep your family safe by implementing safe products and practices. Our experienced and skilled painters know how to protect your home and family while we paint.
__CONFIG_group_edit__{}__CONFIG_group_edit____CONFIG_local_colors__{“colors”:{“3b094″:”Accent Color”,”ea8c0″:”Border”},”gradients”:{}}__CONFIG_local_colors__
REQUEST A QUOTE TODAY!
Our professional painters are excited to start working with you
