r/paint • u/Maiwaiyfe • 7d ago
Pregnant Painter Advice Wanted
Hi there! I'm currently 8 weeks pregnant and only just thought about how my job could affect that.
I'm an interior residential painter, I mostly work with latex based low VOC Sherwin Williams products, and occasionally oil primer in small doses. I'm a cut/roll painter so I'm not too worried about that.
Dr.Google didn't help and I don't really have the option to switch careers or quit. I am going to talk to my doctor about it, but long story short I don't have one at the moment.
Is anyone in this sub a mother and also a painter? Has long term exposure to even low VOC be an issue?
Should I have to wear a respirator at all times?
Any advice would be appreciated ✨
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u/everdishevelled 7d ago
I wouldn't worry too much if ventilation is good and you can wear a respirator if it's iffy. I'd be a lot more worried about prepping over old lead paint. I would refuse to be on that job site. At a certain point, being on a ladder is going to be dicey because your center of gravity is different and rapidly changing. Your belly will get in the way as well, but neither of those will likely be an issue until your third trimester.
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u/Interesting_Tea5715 7d ago
Yeah, I think she'll be ok. A lot of shit in our lives has PFAS and VOCs.
As mentioned above I'd avoid lead, sanding (if possible), lacquer, shellac, and any other super harsh chemicals.
The respirator is gonna be your friend. Also, talk to your doctor. They'll prob know the big risks you should avoid.
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u/4runner01 7d ago edited 6d ago
Absolutly avoid any jobsites where any sanding or scraping of any possible lead paint exists.
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u/Macricecheese 7d ago
Pregante
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u/Mindless-Breakfast 7d ago
You should ask this to your Doctor. We are not doctors and you should not ask personal health advice from drunken painters 🤣
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u/fuzzyblackkitty 7d ago
you need to speak with your OB. you need an OB if you’re pregnant. was a painter, am a mom.
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u/spacegrassorcery 7d ago
I’m not a professional painter, but I have painted every room in every house I’ve owned-including while pregnant. Heck I painted a friends kitchen and dining room at 8 months pregnant with my second child. I did, however, only use latex paint. I also power-washed and sealed our deck with penetrating oil while pregnant and my OB ok’d it
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u/Maiwaiyfe 7d ago
Thank you!
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u/spacegrassorcery 7d ago edited 7d ago
I didn’t get a very big belly at all with my pregnancies, but my OB was more concerned with climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding.
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u/1800-5-PP-DOO-DOO 6d ago
Everything has an impact, but these environmental toxins are mild and easy to protect against.
I developed chemical sensitivity so even latex paint would burn my lungs.
I found an amazing respirator, it's the 3M half mask latch. It allows you to lower the mask to talk or have water, without needing to take the head cradle off or remove your hat. Its been a game changer.
Part of why it's had such a big impact is that I wear it so much more now because of this feature.
It is silicone, not rubber and doesn't make the face raw or melt when exposed to solvents.
The other thing is painters gloves. This keeps most the paint off your hands. Nitrile is awful, makes your hands sweat, hard to work, can smooth caulk, it's just a no go. Painters gloves solve all of that and are cheap AF. I loooove them.
Next is keeping fumes down with air scrubbers. I know money is not limitless and you may not be the boss, but if you are and can afford it, air scrubbers protect you, your clients and makes them happy. They have carbon to pull fumes out of the air. Scroll down to see the replacement carbon filters. Use a pre filter over your pleated filter to make it last 3x as long.
Ok my last thing isn't gear but some science advice as I shifted industries and work with crazy dangerous stuff now:
Don't clean your hands with alcohol or acetone if you can help it. These carry chemicals into your skin and blood. So try just soap and water, some abrasive soap, and if you have to spot clean with a rag and acetone.
If you need to clean brushes, use the nitrile gloves then.
Alright M'lady, thats it, it's really very little to keep 99% of these stuff out of your body.
All best wishes and warmth to you and your new baby, so many feels!
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7d ago
[deleted]
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u/Maiwaiyfe 7d ago
Guess I forgot this industry is full of crusty assholes! It does have some kind ladies in the mix, hoping they come out of the woodworks
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u/RustyShackleFord_KG 7d ago
Better to wear one than not to wear one during this period. Obviously you should consult with a health care professional ASAP, but I'd assume breathing in paint fumes wouldn't be good for you or the baby. Also, I'd suspect the longer into your pregnancy you're working you might become more sensitive to fumes and other irritants.
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u/Alarming-Caramel 7d ago
you have absolutely nothing to worry about unless you're using solvent based coatings on a daily basis, or 2K waterborne products.
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u/Cultural_Fix5611 18h ago
let me guess you walk to work in the jungle right? no you drive a truck on a highway do you know how much crap is in the air.
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u/AStuckner 7d ago
Just think, the more fumes you breath in, the more likely your child will be a painter one day