Paint Brush Cleaner, Is It Dangerous??

[LulaBug]

OH varnished the babys moses basket stand earlier and left the paintbrush in paintbrush cleaner in the kitchen earlier on and hours later, it's all I can smell even with the windows open.

Is it dangerous for the baby with me having smelt this all day?? I'm worried because I don't want the fumes to have a bad effect on little one.

So annoyed really. I told him to wait and then also, told him to leave the brush outside and it's all I can bloody smell.

 

[mrsraggle]

I used it myself a couple of weeks back when I was redecorating the bathroom. I'm OK

 

[LulaBug]

Phew!! Thanks Was getting all panicky!

 

[Scampie]

Im presuming you mean white spirit, as this is what i would normally use to strip paint. If so, if it is still about, then get rid! Apparently prolonged exposure is not good, although im sure 1 day wont hurt.

https://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/2531.aspx?categoryid=54&subcategoryid=131

Solvent-based paints

Solvent-based paints can contain varying levels of substances that can be harmful, such as white spirit, xylene, toluene and alkanes. Long-term exposure to solvents can seriously affect a developing baby. Solvents can irritate the thin lining of cells (mucous membranes) of many parts of your body, such as your nose, mouth and eyes. They can also cause headaches and nausea.

'Quick drying paints' often have a high solvent content, and will usually smell unpleasant.

If possible, you should avoid using solvent-based paints whilst pregnant, to help minimise any risk of the fumes or substances affecting your baby.

For example, if you frequently use solvents, or materials containing high levels of solvent substances, (perhaps as part of your job) then your baby may be at risk. Talk to your employer if your job requires you to frequently use solvent-based products.

I know this doesnt discuss white spirit alone, but as part of a paints ingredients so to speak, but obviously if not advised as a part of something you are smelling, then i wouldnt suggest having it around in pure form.

Really hope i havent worried you. I googled it as its something that i probably would have used next week, and hadnt thought about it myself.

 

[LulaBug]

It's blue coloured! So I don't know if that makes any difference?

 

[Scampie]

Im worried that i have made your panicing worse now! Please note this bit!

For example, if you frequently use solvents, or materials containing high levels of solvent substances, (perhaps as part of your job) then your baby may be at risk.

You havent been exposed to it frequently, so i dont think you need to worry.

 

[Scampie]

Not sure, lol. White spirit is normally clear, but it will have stripping agents in it which are solvent based. Im pretty sure a 1 off will do no harm. It seems its more about being exposed to it long term which is harmful. Something i would try to avoid none the less.

 

[LulaBug]

No no, you haven't made me panic more or anything, so don't you worry.

It was just something I was thinking about because it smells soooooo bad and the fumes are just sooo overpowering. Eeekk!