Tubal Reversal & Pregnancy: Paint Safety Concerns for DIY Crafts

Question
Hi. I am a 39 year old healthy female who just had a tubal reversal. we have 2 children ages 9 and 12. My question is related to my occupation.We hand make wooden, distressed frames. ) I do all of the painting with latex paints only. i then sand the layers of paint to give the aged look. Until my surgery, I had never used a mask to prevent inhalation of the dust or fumes.There are no fumes with the latex paint. We are now extremely concerned after reading on the paint cans that they can cause cancer and "birth defects in the state of California"( don't really unerstand that statement!) We certainly don't want to take ANY chances, but, this is how we make a living, other than my husband's job. basically, I am relied upon heavily to keep us afloat!~ Do you have any advice? or any studies that have been done/ Is there a specific blood test I could have done before conceiving to test for toxins? Thank you so much for any help!...blessings....shea ingram

Answer
Shea,

Basically there is no studies on paint because it is impossible to measure exposure (without putting the baby at risk)
However, there are certain precautions that the American Pregnancy Association recommends.  They are:
   *  Avoiding paints and solvents is the safest course of action
   * Talk to your health care provider before beginning a painting project
   * Paint exposures during household painting are likely to have less exposure than occupational settings
   * Wear protective clothing, masks, and keep the area ventilated
   * Avoid latex paints that contain solvents such as ethylene glycol ethers and biocides
   * In general, water colors, acrylic, and tempera paints are recommended over oil paints
   * Limit duration and frequency of your painting

I know that this is not a huge help, but I really don't know what else to recommend.
There is no blood test to test for latex paint toxicity - only lead paint exposure.

Maybe you could make the frames, and your husband could do the painting?  I don't know what else to recommend. Talk to your doc and see if he/she has any ideas!

Good Luck and I hope that you are successful in your trying to conceive efforts soon and that you find an answer to your dilemma.


Blessings to you as well!

Tandi