subject: Dangers Of Not Using A Hepa Air Purifier When Painting [print this page] Although many people take it for granted, painting can be dangerous to your health, especially when performed without proper ventilation and filtration. The hidden danger is called a volatile organic compound (VOC). In minor cases, they can lead to headaches, nausea, and irritation of the nose, eyes and throat. In severe cases, they can lead to a chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
What Are VOCs?
VOCs are organic chemicals that evaporate into the air in large quantities at room temperature. Not all but most VOCs are dangerous to humans, and can lead to COPDs. Paint is one of the most common household sources of VOCs. Typically, VOCs are not toxic acutely. VOCs are mostly responsible for long-term health effects, but they can cause some short-term issues.
What Are the Dangers of VOCs?
Effects vary depending on the exposure level and length of time. However, do not take brief exposure for granted, since some people are predisposed to some COPDs. Minor effects include headaches, nose, eye, and throat irritation, nausea and loss of coordination. Major effects include COPDs as well as damage to the kidney, liver and central nervous system.
Where Do VOCs Come From?
In the case of paint, VOCs seep from the paint into the air. The paint DOES NOT have to be in liquid form for this to occur. Paints with VOCs will continue to release them even when dry for years after application. The same goes for the tiny speckles of paint that dry in dust and on the carpet.
Low-VOC and No-VOC Paints
Most paint manufacturers sell low-VOC and even no-VOC versions of their paints. These products do cost more, but they're worth it, especially when used in environments with young children. Note that just because paint is no-VOC doesn't mean that filtration and ventilation is unnecessary.
Have Proper Ventilation
When painting, use a large fan or air circulator, and open the windows in the area. If it is too cold to open windows, consider waiting for warmer weather. Alternatively, open the windows, and then use a space heater to keep the area reasonably warm.
Use a HEPA Purifier
Use a HEPA purifier. If you have a built-in system, consider using a portable HEPA purifier in the area where you'll be painting. After the paint dries, dust and clean the area thoroughly. Then, vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA filter bags are available for most vacuum cleaner models.
Use a Carbon Filter
Keep in mind that the greatest danger of VOCs is in the form of gases and chemicals, and HEPA does not filter these aspects. Most high-quality HEPA purifiers also have a carbon filter component. When you paint, replace the carbon filter with a new one, even if it's early for the scheduled replacement.
