Paint Stripper Safety
Remodeling a home often involves the removal of old paint from a variety of surfaces. Paint strippers contain strong and toxic chemicals that can cause a multitude of health issues including headaches, dizziness, brain damage and even cancer. If you have a project that involves the use of paint strippers, you need to take some steps to avoid putting yourself at risk. Does this Spark an idea?
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Read the Directions
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Have a first-aid kit at the ready. Before you tackle any project involving the use of a paint stripper, take time to fully read the product label. You will find directions for not only how to use the specific stripper but what first aid steps you will need to take in case of any accidental exposure to the skin or eyes or if you start to experience any symptoms of irritation due to inhalation. After you have read the instructions and all of the safety information, you should have any necessary first aid supplies nearby before you begin your project.
Protective Gear
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Common latex gloves will not protect against harsh chemicals. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends wearing protective clothing, goggles, a face mask and protective gloves when using paint strippers. Ordinary latex gloves will not provide the necessary protection, so be sure to purchase not only chemical-resistant gloves, but gloves that were made to withstand exposure to the specific chemicals in the stripper you have selected. The stripper instructions should indicate the type of gloves needed.
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Ventilation
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If working indoors, use a fan to aid in ventilation. If at all possible, complete your project outdoors. If this is not an option, Health Canada recommends creating as much cross-ventilation as possible by opening doors and windows and using an electric fan to pull contaminated vapors away from you and out a nearby window. If the materials that need stripping are located in a poorly ventilated area, you should consider hiring a professional.
Avoid Ignition
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The use of matches near flammable substances is very dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that the chemicals in paint strippers can quickly catch fire and should be handled with care. While not all paint strippers are highly flammable, many are so be sure to read the label carefully. Never use this type of stripper near gas or electric stoves, heaters, water heaters, washers, dryers or any electric hand tools that could cause a spark. This includes electric fans so if you are using a fan for ventilation, use extreme caution.
Considerations
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Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid toxic substances. If you are pregnant or are nursing, you should avoid using paint strippers. For proper disposal, read the instructions for the specific stripper you have selected. If there are no disposal recommendations, contact your local department for environmental sanitation. Never use anything other than a specified paint stripper, such as gasoline or kerosene, to remove paint.
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References
- Photo Credit peeling paint image by Allen Penton from Fotolia.com first-aid kit image by e-pyton from Fotolia.com medical gloves image by sasha from Fotolia.com ventilator image by apeschi from Fotolia.com allumettes image by jerane from Fotolia.com pregnant women smells rose image by Olga Ekaterincheva from Fotolia.com
