Painting your home can be an exciting prospect. The vibrant hues not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of your abode but also lifts your spirits. However, the prospect of painting is not a cakewalk for many, thanks to paint allergy.
It certainly wasn’t for Nita and Sam (name changed), a couple from Mumbai who suddenly began experiencing a cough that refused to go away for over a week. Nita also experienced breathing difficulties and chest spasms. The duo, in their early 40s, had no history of any respiratory ailments.
The fact that they were experiencing these symptoms simultaneously was baffling to them.
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A detailed case history unveiled the real cause. Their house was undergoing renovation and was being painted.
“The couple along with their kids were staying in the house while the painting was underway, triggering an allergic reaction,” says Dr Shobha Subramanian Itolikar, consultant physician, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, who treated the couple.
“While Sam was given antiallergens, Nita had to undergo nebulization to ease her breathing troubles,” says Dr Shobha.
The couple was asked to stay away while the painting was in process. They were also advised on decontaminating the house before resuming their stay.
What causes paint allergy?
According to Dr Vijay Warad, allergist and clinical immunologist, Sai Allergy Asthma Eye Hospital, Pune, paints are composed of chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (mercury, lead, benzene) and preservatives.
“These chemicals emit gases into the air and this off-gassing can trigger the immune cells in the body, causing allergic reactions,” says Dr Warad.
Elaborating further he says, “The allergy can manifest as skin reactions when in contact with paint and irritation of the nasal cavity caused by inhalation of the fumes.”
Paint allergy symptoms
Dr Shobha lists the various symptoms of paint allergy – runny nose, sore throat, cough, asthma, headache, skin rashes and itching.
People already allergic to dust mites, pollen, and animal dander are more susceptible to paint allergy and prone to develop more exaggerated reactions. “The symptoms begin with sneezing, runny nose and may progress into the lower respiratory tract, inflaming the airways, causing asthma and allergic bronchitis,” says Dr Shobha.
Precautions while painting
Elaborating on the ways to evade a paint allergy, Dr Shobha recommends the following.
- Avoid exposure to a freshly painted room for a minimum of 48 hours.
- Ensure that the room is well-ventilated so that the paint dries up and the fumes don’t linger in the room.
- Thorough cleaning and decontamination of the room after painting.
- If you’re painting a room yourself, consult an expert before choosing the paint and take requisite safety measures like wearing a mask, gloves, and other personal protective gear.
“Those engaging in DIY (Do It Yourself) painting must exercise caution as the paint is a solvent and gets absorbed into the skin and blood,” Dr Shobha adds.
Treating paint allergy
According to Dr Warad, antiallergens are prescribed for skin and respiratory symptoms.
“For people with pre-existing allergic tendencies, desensitisation (alleviating reactions) to these primary allergens will help evade an allergic reaction to a wider range of potential allergens,” says Dr Warad.
Takeaways
- The VOCs in paint emit fumes that trigger allergic reactions.
- Paint allergy is manifested as skin irritation and respiratory issues.
- Avoid exposure to freshly painted rooms and decontaminate the rooms.
- Paint allergy is treated with antihistamines and desensitisation of primary allergens.
