Paint Smell Safe??

Updated on November 30, 2009
J.F. asks from Commerce City, CO
5 answers

My 10 week old little girl is sleeping her own room tonight for the first time and my fears have nothing to do with all the normal mommy fears... mine is about the paint smell in her room!!!
We painted her room nearly 6 weeks ago!!! This was the same kind of paint we used in the rest of the house, but for some reason this room and paint just will not release its smell! I have aired it out as much as we can over the past weeks, but now that it is cold that is hard to do. I hardly ever go in the room and keep my older girl out as well because of the smell. However my husband told me it is just time to move her in and HE says he smells nothing and I am being crazy.
I think he is just being a guy about it.

I am so worried that she is sleeping in there all night long breathing in whatever is making that smell!
Should I be worried or am I just being the crazy mommy my husband says I am being!? I truly believe I smell paint when I walk in the room. What can I do?? Do I have reason to be worried, or should I just lighten up?

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K.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I'm sensitive to smells. If you can't stand being in there I wouldn't let my child sleep in their either. I too would look for something that could absorb the smell. Kitty litter? Also, maybe you could wipe down the walls. I realize the paint is volatilizing, but maybe the smell is more intense on the surface. Check to see if a vinegar/water solution would be safe for the paint. I think it would be, and I just researched how to get a burn microwave popcorn smell off walls (sis-in-law), and that was a common suggestion.

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B.D.

answers from Boise on

It seems when the weather is colder that it takes longer for it to go away. I would just leave the door open when she is in there. I really don't think it will hurt her. Try putting an absorbing air freshner in there. Not a coverup but something that absorbs like even baking soda.

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J.W.

answers from Denver on

I had that same issue when our crib was recalled and the new one smelled SO bad in my son's room. I don't think you are crazy, I think you have the sensitivities and instincts of a new mom. I would hold out until you feel more comfortable with putting her in there. Also, I would suggest examining whether or not you are ready to put her in her own room, anyway. Maybe it is complicated by the fact that you aren't really, but feel torn because your husband is. It is best in that case to be honest and tell him straightforward - I think the room smells and I am not ready to have her sleep alone. It might help to say you are willing to revisit the issue in X number of weeks, so it does not feel left up in the air to him.

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P.D.

answers from Denver on

At this point, it is merely residual odor, not actual fumes. It should be perfectly safe. But if you are really anxious, do what puts your mind at ease.

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M.R.

answers from Denver on

I'd be nervous too. I manage rental properties and so paint frequently and have been using Low or No VOC paints since I discovered them. Here is an article I found while doing a little research on your question:

http://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-paint-or-be-a...

While it's about pregnant women and paint fumes, I would think the jist is similar for a developing child. From what it says, you should be safe now from a toxic standpoint (after a month) despite the smell.

I also saw this in another article: "Some people put bowls of coffee grounds or baking soda in a room to "absorb" odor"...but the author says they don't think it really works(??) I would put an air purifier in the room if you can get your hands on one. Good luck!

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