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Is It Safe During Pregnancy To Be Exposed To Paint Fumes?
Question: I'm 7 weeks pregnant. My work has just told everyone they will be painting the office during working hours. This would mean 8 hrs of exposure to paintfumes with no windows that open (in a high rise building). Is it safe during pregnancy to be exposed to so much paint fumes?
Brief Answer:
Limit the exposure
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
The effect of exposure to painting fumes on the baby depends on factors like:
-Type of paint.
Acrylic or latex paint will have lesser side effects.
Oil based paint with solvent can cause more side effects.
-Duration of exposure time
-Ventilation etc.
Prolonged exposure to harmful painting fumes can lead to miscarriage, birth defects etc.
So, best thing is avoiding exposure.
If not possible limit the exposure time as much as possible.
Wearing a mask can help to some extent.
Good ventilation is important.
If that is not possible, try to come out of the office in every 2 hours and take fresh air for 5 to 10 minutes.
If you feel sick, come out of the place immediately.
Regular antenatal checkups, dating scan at around 10 weeks and anomaly scan(TIFFA) at around 20 weeks are recommended.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer followup queries. If you are satisfied with the response, please give your review at the end of the discussion.
Take care.
Limit the exposure
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
The effect of exposure to painting fumes on the baby depends on factors like:
-Type of paint.
Acrylic or latex paint will have lesser side effects.
Oil based paint with solvent can cause more side effects.
-Duration of exposure time
-Ventilation etc.
Prolonged exposure to harmful painting fumes can lead to miscarriage, birth defects etc.
So, best thing is avoiding exposure.
If not possible limit the exposure time as much as possible.
Wearing a mask can help to some extent.
Good ventilation is important.
If that is not possible, try to come out of the office in every 2 hours and take fresh air for 5 to 10 minutes.
If you feel sick, come out of the place immediately.
Regular antenatal checkups, dating scan at around 10 weeks and anomaly scan(TIFFA) at around 20 weeks are recommended.
Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer followup queries. If you are satisfied with the response, please give your review at the end of the discussion.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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