When you paint your house yourself, there are a few safety precautions you need to adhere to. It is important to remember that all paints contain chemicals that vary in consistency. If you or anyone else inhales these chemical fumes, it could pose a health hazard. Read all information printed on the cans of any paint, solvent, and paint stripper you are using.
Health Hazard Precautions
• Do not paint for long periods and take short breaks to get fresh air.
• If you start to feel dizzy, watery-eyed, or nauseated, stop and go outside for fresh air.
• Make sure the room you are painting has good ventilation.
General safety precautions
• It is crucial that you choose the correct type of paint, as there are two different types: latex/water-based or oil-based/alkyd, which is a type of resin paint. Most oil-based paints contain thinners. These thinners give off vapors that are poisonous because they are made from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so look for paints that are marked 0 VOC, which means they are environmentally friendly. This type of paint dries quickly. It is recommended that when painting indoors you use latex paint.
• If you have to use paint stripper to remove old paint, try to never get it in your nose or eyes, so wear a face mask. Also, make sure the room is well ventilated and wear chemical resistant gloves. Before using it, be sure to carefully read the instructions on the can. You should use one that has solvents that evaporate quickly.
• Even if paints do not appear to have an odor, they may contain toxic fumes which, if inhaled, can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important that you have the windows open to get a cross breeze or even use fans. You must wear tight-fitting painter’s gloves and masks or the disposable nose masks. They will effectively keep odors and dust out while painting.
• Painters should also use drop cloths to protect floors from paint spills or drips from brushes or rollers. It is best to use canvas cloths because plastic cloths are slippery. You can use the plastic ones to cover the furniture and other things in the room if you paint the ceiling.
• When using a ladder to reach the highest parts of the room or the roof, make sure it is firmly placed on a flat surface. Do not stand at the top to reach the ceiling.
• Wash your hands thoroughly when you’re done to make sure toxic chemicals don’t absorb into your skin.
