Angie jumps right to the front of the long queue with this:
"I just arrived at my parents house for Christmas, with my partner and 10-month-old baby. I am 15 weeks pregnant, and haven't told anyone as I'm waiting for the amnio results. We found out as we arrived that my mother painted the whole house a week ago with both latex and oil paint, to spruce up for the holidays. A little shortsighted, since she lives in New England and it is too cold to leave the windows open. Despite trying to air out the fumes for a week, the house reeks in all rooms, including where we are sleeping. I am miserable because of my superhuman sense of smell due to the pregnancy, but I am especially worried about exposure to the fumes for the fetus, as well as for the 10-week old. We are supposed to stay here for a week, which I am not sure I can stand.
Do you have any input or thoughts, or better skills than I at extracting specific info from the internet?"
Who leaves people hanging for amnio results over a holiday weekend?!
I wish I could say, "Don't worry--it's totally fine," but I obviously can't. On the other hand, I wouldn't spend much time worrying about it for two reasons. The first is that the rooms were painted a week ago so the paint is dry, and it's just the smells and chemicals outgassing, not actual wet paint fumes. Is there any chance that the house is one of those charmingly drafty New England homes, the kind with high heating costs and no danger of radon scares? If so, then you have even less to worry about.
The other thing that makes me not worry so much is that you're in your 15th week. From what we're learning about fetal alcohol exposure, weeks 3-6 appear to be the most critical for staying away from exposure to damaging toxins, but the rest of the first trimester is also the time of greatest and most significant development. A day or two of exposure to smelly paint fumes at 15 weeks is hardly the same as it would be at 5 weeks.
If you want to leave the house, you'll have to bring up the highly legitimate concern of whether your 10-month-old baby should be exposed to paint fumes. It sounds like your mother just wasn't thinking clearly, and thought the fumes would be gone by now, because surely she wouldn't want to expose her grandchild to the fumes. Use that to get you out of the house as much as possible, even if it's just to go stand by the back door inhaling some clean air, or going out to post-holiday sales, or going to visit other people. You can always use the old standby of blaming your pediatrician as an excuse to get out as much as possible.
(FWIW, when I was nine weeks pregnant with my second, my aunt highlighted my hair for me. When I went to wash it out in the shower the fan in the bathroom was broken. I was sucking down hot ammonia steam for a solid 10 minutes, trying desperately to get it out of my hair and my system. I still look at him and wonder if he wouldn't bite me so much if I hadn't inhaled all that ammonia. I don't really think it did him any harm, but I also don't think I'll ever stop feeling guilty about it completely.)
I hope your amnio results come back with no cause for concern.
Are there any toxicologists reading who know more about paint fumes specifically? Or anyone else to offer pseudo-comforting toxin exposure stories like my ammonia confession?
UPDATE: Reader Sarah reminds me that the best place to find out info about any kind of prenatal exposure is to call the counselors at OTIS, the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. Their number is 1-866-626-OTIS. They are experts at giving pregnant women information about all sorts of situations like this -- this is the service the CDC refers women to when they call about exposure issues.
Thanks, Sarah!
literally the day after I learned I was pregnant I was walking to work through the housing project near my apartment, and I looked up to see 3 workers in white hazmat suits spraying something around the benches in teh green area. I have no idea what it was, but I will never forget the feelign of being trapped (had to walk a good block or two to really get away from it). Baby is 4 weeks old now, and she seems great! We'll see if she turns into a cockroach one day, though.
Posted by: yetanotherjen | December 26, 2006 at 11:09 AM
Count me as another woman waiting for amnio results on 12/26. I don't know anything about paint, though.
Posted by: luolin | December 26, 2006 at 11:16 AM
Too late for the writer, but if anyone else is considering painting, Harmony paint emits no VOC's and is low-fume. We're using it to paint our kitchen now and I can barely smell it while I'm painting and once it's dry there's literally no odor. Love the stuff.
Posted by: Christine | December 26, 2006 at 12:26 PM
When they say 3-6 weeks, are they referring to 3 to 6 weeks post implantation? I am assuming this is the case, as the medical definition of pregnancy is when implantation occurs...but then it's confusing because we count the number of weeks pregnant from LMP...any wisdom on this? Or just some clarification?
Posted by: Heather | December 26, 2006 at 04:19 PM
If you read the article Moxie links to, it says that during the first 2 weeks after conception, exposure to high levels of alcohol is more likely to cause death and miscarriage of the embryo than malformation, and that the highest risk period for malformation is week 3-6, because that's when the organs are forming. So I think they are definitely meaning 3-6 weeks post implantation, ie. 5-7 weeks from LMP.
Posted by: Alison S | December 26, 2006 at 06:04 PM
Another resource for chemical exposures during pregnancy is www.motherisk.org. I didn't find much on paint except this about occupational exposures:
http://www.motherisk.org/prof/updatesDetail.jsp?content_id=318
Posted by: Angela | December 27, 2006 at 05:37 PM
SHerwin Williams also offers a low VOC paint, but you have to ask for it. It's made for hospitals. We used it in our attic (because I worked there at the time and got a can of mis-tint) and you could hardly smell a thing. Oil paint on the other hand - whew! Stinky. My MIL painted her guest bedroom with the cheapest stinkiest latex paint ever while I was pregnant and we slept there once. I also painted the entire interior of our old home pregnant when we were trying to get it on the market. I guess having grown up the daughter of a house painter I'm lax about it, but it mostly doesn't bother me and my son is too perfect.
Posted by: Rayne of Terror | December 27, 2006 at 09:38 PM
I literally pushed through a "Danger, Do Not Enter" strip to get to a computer lab at school (thinking "this can't mean *me*), only to find out that there had been a major multi-computer explosion in that hallway, when I was pregnant. I totally freaked out. And cursed my stupidity. Baby boy seems fine now, though one always wonders, eh?
And, um, doesn't it suck that drinking is worst when many women don't yet know that they're pregnant? I guess it doesn't affect those of us who start testing a week after ovulation, but still...
Posted by: AinH | December 29, 2006 at 11:05 AM
IMO you were very right to be concerned about the paint fumes. The stuff you are/were smelling in the house is VOCs -- volatile organic compounds -- and it IS the bad stuff that you don't want to be exposed to during pregnancy. VOCs and alcohol are very different substances that probably affect a growing fetus in different ways / at different stages of gestation. Off the top of my head I remember that maternal VOC exposure during pregnancy is linked to increased risk of allergies in the baby including asthma and atopy. It's also linked to greater risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, and diarrhea. Try googling "voc exposure pregnancy" maybe adding "fetus" or "paint" to narrow it down if needed (I would get started for you except that I'm on deadline for something else and shouldn't even be reading Ask Moxie lol!). If I hadn't loaned out my copy of Sandra Steingraber's excellent book _Having Faith_ I would look through that for information too.
I guess this is all moot for the original poster (since it's now Jan 1st and her visit is probably over) but wanted to put it out there for future readers.
Posted by: swimmermom | January 01, 2007 at 11:36 PM
plsprivate. i am 42yr old.l.m.p 26/12/06,buti bleed slighty for 2days 4&5/1/07.apart from my breast heaviness/nipple pains ,also my desire for sex increased. am i pregnant
Posted by: mercy igbinigie | January 06, 2007 at 11:13 AM
I'm 8 weeks pregnant, we had our house painted w/ oil based paints 2 and a half weeks ago. I didn't know the painter was going to be using these, otherwise I would have thought twice. I've stayed w/ friends and at hotels for the past two weeks, and my house still smells terrible. We've placed two hepa filters in it, cooked onions, placed baking powder in bowls around the house, opened windows....nothing seems to be working. I'm really wanting to come home, and I can't see any material online indicating when it may be OK to do so. I've spent a couple hours here and there in my house and I'm worried this has done damage. Does anyone have any info for me, it would be very helpful.
Posted by: Maria | February 15, 2007 at 09:45 PM
I called Teratology Information Specialists just a minute ago and was told that latex paint is not a concern at all even if you work as a painter using latex paint during anytime in your pregnancy. However, she did say that being exposed to oil based paint over a PROLONGED period could be a problem. If you have concerns, please call Teratology Specialists - she was very helpful.
Posted by: beth | October 31, 2007 at 12:12 PM
I'm just freaking out as well. I am ten weeks pregnant and my room is being painted. Last night I slept on the couch, but you can definitely smell the paint fumes. I'm so worried that I hurt my baby. What was I thinking?!!!
Posted by: Carla Jakubowski | February 21, 2008 at 08:26 AM
I also spoke to the Teratology Information Specialists a few minutes ago about exposure to wood stain fumes. (I've found a lot of information online about paint fumes, but nothing on stain.)
In any case, the woman I spoke to said there's a big difference between smelling something and inhaling it. She used the example of someone trying to get high by sniffing glue, and said that to have any effect, you'd really have to try hard and sniff like 3 or 4 bottles by sticking a straw up your nose. And that's the kind of exposure they're talking about when they refer to inhalation of fumes potentially causing birth defects.
I told her I was concerned because we had some wood staining done at our house last week. I wore a ventilator while they were doing the work, so I wasn't too worried at the time because I couldn't smell it, but the fumes have been lingering now for a week and I've been getting more and more concerned about longer-term (although low) exposure. But she said the same thing again about smelling vs. inhaling and said that it's extremely unlikely that it could be harmful.
Posted by: Julie | February 22, 2008 at 03:07 PM
I am very worried too about exposure to paint fumes. I am now 8 weeks + 3 and this afternoon, I had an acupuncture treatment (I had two miscarriages and am trying something different). When I went into the room, it smelled like paint, but not too bad. At the end of the treatment (45 minutes), the smelled had become really strong and I had to leave the room because I felt too nauseous. The painting was taking place in the hall and I am not sure what sort of paint they were using. Now I am really worried... and wondering if smelling it is an indication of toxicity or if, as previous poster said, I would have to have sniffed the paint pot for it to be damaging... Oh dear...
Posted by: Isabelle | April 22, 2008 at 03:26 PM
AinH - is right on.
this is a dumb comment, "The first is that the rooms were painted a week ago so the paint is dry, and it's just the smells and chemicals outgassing, not actual wet paint fumes."
It is the outgassing that is the problem, not the fresh paint.
Posted by: eric | July 08, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Thanks so much for all the great info, especially Julie regarding fumes from wood stain. We're in the process of renos and people have been staining floors and painting the walls and although all the doors and windows have been open for ventilation, I worried about exposure. I may be pregnant - still too soon to test I think - but was really worried about inhaling fumes every time I went over to check on the work.
I do believe that real risk lies in occupational exposure over extended periods of time so the posts here really made me feel better. The smells are still driving me nuts and I'm getting headaches every time I go over, but I wonder if that's mostly because I'm feeling stressed about the fumes! :)
Posted by: SheriBaby | September 13, 2008 at 01:51 AM
I'm nine and a half week pregnant. Me and my husband painted our washroom yesterday. I was wearing a mask that covered my nose and mouuth, on and off, because I was having trouble breathing proper with the mask. I hope I haven't caused any damage to the fetus
Posted by: Mona | May 19, 2009 at 10:27 AM
im a painter by trade & to help rid of paint smells cut a couple of onions in half & place around freshly painted room until smell has gone.replace onoins if they dry out. the smell normaly dies down after 24hours
Posted by: ange | May 25, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Thank you Carla for making me feel better. I just found out I am pregnant. I teach aerobics at the local gym - and over the weekend they restained the floors. When I taught this morning the fumes were still there and I was totally freaking out about exposure. Your post made me feel a lot better. Thanks!
Posted by: Becky M. | August 10, 2009 at 05:48 PM
We decided to paint our bedroom with some old paint we had left over in the garage. When checking it it looked ok and certainly did not smell. Now that the job is complete the room stinks!! Awful smell. Maybe the checmicals have gone off? I don't know if old paint can go off, but now I am desperate for advice on how to get rid of the smell. I have had the window open for 5 days during the day, have burnt candels, used air fresheners but nothing works. Can anyone give me some addvice please?
Posted by: Bjorg Hanbury | November 15, 2009 at 04:23 AM
Well thanks to you all. These post were really helpful....
Posted by: jojo | August 25, 2011 at 04:27 PM
im really worried im 5 weeks preganant and i sprayed my rediator with a paint spray and inhaled the fumes and ithad VOC (volatile organic compounds). i think from reading the lable i am now really worried that it will affect my baby please can someone email me on gemma.smith@bauermedia.co.uk please im really worried
Posted by: gemma | August 30, 2011 at 09:00 AM
I've been exposed to oil based paint at the school where i'm teaching. They painted the doors, the cabinets and part of the hallway. I tried to stay out as much as possible, but still....
What is the danger for the 3-month old fetus?
Posted by: paula | January 08, 2013 at 07:41 AM
Anyone who has actually took part in the planning or prep to get a wedding party, small or large, will tell you the experience can be quite a small number. Flower shops, caterers, bakers, and jewelers can make it hard to maintain one's wits about them during the process. Thankfully, these tips and tricks are certain to offer advice about the perfect wedding arrangements.
Although veils often just consist of a few wisps of textile, they can often be incredibly costly. And also hardwearing . wedding event expenses within your budget, look at creating your personal veil! Many sites provide "diy" designs for a number of veils and they also involve, step by step instructions.
In order to have reception next to a pond or in the evening, think about pests. Put bug repelling candle lights around the tables. Safeguard the food and drinks from bugs with linen or nets. You can also hand out bug squirt for your company and let them know to dress accordingly.
Usually do not bring a day to a wedding event you are invited to unless of course the invitation specifically stated that this was okay to give a invitee. The groom and bride could be on a tight budget and may even struggle to afford to pay for having a lot of guests at their wedding ceremony.
Select meals for the wedding event that YOU appreciate. Don't concern yourself with what your friends and relatives think, it's your day to take pleasure from! The one thing you should look at, is should you be a vegan, then you certainly ought to provide a couple of various meats choices to your guests instead of pressure a tofurken about them.
When you are the bride-to-be into a wedding ceremony, it is recommended you take fantastic care when choosing your wedding brides maids. If you keep essential friends out, they might be really irritated. So if you can't opt for some people that would want to maintain, it is actually necessary individuals to convenience them and describe so that they tend not to get irritated.
Take into account owning an alcohol-cost-free wedding reception to ease the concerns that inebriated guests can cause. Should you decide to go this route, be sure to provide numerous refreshment options to your friends and relatives such as soft drinks, normal water, espresso, and green tea therefore they don't seem like they're getting parched. Developing a selfmade fresh fruit punch dished up in a water fountain can produce a beautiful centerpiece for your personal food catering desk!
Since you now be aware of lots of things to do as well as the several things to refrain from doing when organizing the perfect wedding, you are able to go on and strategy it without dropping your brain. Enjoy every single second major around the large function, and then enjoy all of your new, married life.
Posted by: Heehoodia | February 02, 2013 at 09:15 PM
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be helpful to read through articles from other authors and use something from other sites.
Posted by: Jessia Negroni | February 03, 2013 at 06:26 PM
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which too few people are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy I stumbled across this during my search for something regarding this.
Posted by: Fran Ferentz | February 04, 2013 at 03:48 AM
Very nice post. I certainly appreciate this website. Continue the good work!
Posted by: Pauletta Slimmer | February 04, 2013 at 11:46 AM
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It's the little changes that produce the most important changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Posted by: Kam Morneault | February 04, 2013 at 07:43 PM
Hey there! I simply want to offer you a big thumbs up for your great information you have here on this post. I'll be coming back to your blog for more soon.
Posted by: Miyoko Eversole | February 05, 2013 at 03:40 AM
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the website is also very good.
Posted by: Sophia Ruzbasan | February 05, 2013 at 12:01 PM
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks, However I am going through difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else having the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Posted by: Kaitlyn Courchene | February 12, 2013 at 09:47 AM