February is known as the National Care About Your Indoor Air month. This is a time when you need to pay extra attention to the quality of the air that you breathe within your home. You may think that your home’s air quality is top-notch. However, if you have a painting project going on, your air quality may suffer more than you think.

The sanding of surfaces that contain lead paint can create dust that you breathe into your lungs – lead-tainted dust that can cause health problems. Various types of paints also release VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the air, even after they are dry. VOCs can have different effects on health, including: headaches, dizziness, vision problems, throat irritation, and even kidney and liver problems. Here are some tips to help you make sure your painting project does not affect your health.

  • Make sure that all surfaces are free from lead paint before sanding. If you do discover lead paint, take the appropriate precautions or contact professionals for assistance.
  • Use the right paints for the job. If you are painting an interior room, use only interior paint. Also, check the paint labels to learn more about the levels of VOCs contained in the paint. If you have any questions, talk to your paint retailer or another painting professional.
  • Follow all instructions on the paint when using. Provide adequate ventilation during the painting process, as well as while the paint dries. When possible, do your painting when your home is not occupied by other family members.
  • When cleaning up after your painting project, follow the proper procedures for cleaning your equipment and disposing of any unused paint. If you are ever in doubt, contact a professional for answers to your questions.