Paint Fumes

September 5, 2005 6:55 PM

We just painted our one-year old son's bedroom two days ago. Is it safe to let him sleep there tonight? Will the fumes give him headaches? (The new paint stench is still vaguely present, although my wife says she doesn't notice it at all. I'd like to hear from any pediatricians out there, if possible.)
posted by iced_borsch to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

I'd say yes as long as you are continuously exchanging the air. Put a box fan in the window blowing outward. It will continuously replace the existing air with fresh air from the vents and under the doors. If you have central air, run that too. The circulation will also help dry the paint fully.
posted by rolypolyman at 7:00 PM on September 5, 2005

Something to think about for the future is purchasing a VOC-free paint -- there are a number of manufacturers that make these and the fumes are practically non-existant.

Good coverage, reasonable cost -- I don't see why you wouldn't use these paints all the time. I used Dulux Lifemaster 2000 from ICI paints. Link here.
posted by kaefer at 7:35 PM on September 5, 2005

Personally, having painted my own rooms a few times over the years, I'd have him sleep elsewhere for a couple more nights. rolypolyman's suggestion would help get it ready for re-occupancy.

I doubt it's really anything to worry about, but still headaches suck.
posted by davy at 8:17 PM on September 5, 2005

My personal view: if you used latex (water soluable) paint, it should be OK, with ventilation. If you used oil-based paint, wait a couple more days.
posted by Daddio at 2:50 PM on September 6, 2005