Take heed to the warnings when using house paint.
Spring usually ushers in thoughts about rejuvenating your home. A new coat of paint is one way to brighten your living area without hitting your wallet too hard, especially if you do the job yourself. Many Americans perform this task every year without giving much thought to the dangers they may be exposing themselves and their families to. Heeding the warnings on a can of house paint can help prevent potential health issues for you and your family.
Toxic Fumes
House paint can emit low level toxic fumes for several years.
We all know that "new house paint" smell when we enter a home. After a few days the smell fades away and we don't give it much thought anymore. However, according to the EPA, these fumes can emit low level toxins for several years after application. This is due to petro-chemical based ingredients called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) contained in the paint. To help alleviate these toxins, some companies make low or no petro-chemical based paints specifically for use inside the house.
Eye and Lung Hazards
Wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from paint.
Inhalation of paint fumes is not only irritating it can be a health hazard, as well. Many types of protective inhalation devices can be purchased at your local hardware store as well as protective eye goggles. According to the EPA, when a person is exposed to paint fumes over a long period of time, it can have varying effects on the throat and lungs. You could experience slight irritation of the lungs to liver, kidney and nervous system damage from constant exposure of paint fumes.
Environmental Issues
Improper disposal of house paint can contaminate the environment.
To help protect the environment, purchase only the amount of paint you will need to finish the job. Improperly stored or disposed of house paint contaminates the environment in many ways. Chemicals contained in the product can leak into and contaminate the ground water as well as continue to exude toxic fumes for many years. Check with your local EPA office to learn proper storage and disposal guidelines for your unused paint.
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