Paint Thinner Fumes!

[LEW32]

Hi All,

Well, I am really upset and just wanted to vent and get some advice. Last night, I went out to dinner with a friend and came home to PAINT THINNER fumes throughout the entire house!

OH is trying to renovate the lower level of our house that was flooded a few months ago and decided to use paint thinner to clean himself up and didn't at all try to contain it.

I flipped out when I got home, because I couldn't understand how he couldn't think the major fumes were a problem. I am avoiding drinking coffee for sake of the little bean, yet had to breathe TOXIC FUMES all night.

I tried to air out the bedroom as much as possible and left the windows open all night, but still scared that it did damage. Of course I googled it and paint thinner is SOO toxic - causes increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects....I am so upset, I don't know what to do.

OH apologized a million times - but 'sorry' still doesn't reverse any damage that could have been done....so beside myself! Be honest, do you think I should REALLY worry? I tried to air it out as much as possible- but I obviously did breathe some of the fumes....

 

[hunterace]

i don't know if you should worry, but i'd be worried for sure. i hope you and the baby are ok

 

[LEW32]

Thank you for responding! I am sick with worry.... luckily I am going for an informational appt this afternoon, I will definitely ask the nurse about it.

 

[msflowerfairy]

I'm sure you will be fine.
As long as you don't stick your head in the bottle and take a good sniff i wouldn't imagine that is would affect you.
If you are uncertain ring the antenatal clinic for advice or NHS direct for reassurance.

 

[LEW32]

Thank you for giving me a bit of reassurance...I hope you are right. The odor was just soo strong in the house.

I have my first appt today just to confirm pregnancy and answer any of my questions....It will be my number 1 question!

 

[littlebean201]

I'm not a medical expert but personally I don't think you have anything to worry about at all. I'm a printmaker so I use paint thinners to clean up my inks every day. My midwife told me that as long as the window is open or I don't do it in a small room then I will be fine.

This is a one-off incident - I think the real problems come if you were to sniff the bottle on a regular basis.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 9 months xx

 

[Lynsay]

Hi Lew,

I'm sure you'll both be OK. The baby book I read says to avoid pro-longed exposure to chemicals and fumes such as this.

I think pro-longed must mean all day-everyday? without ventilation. I hope you are feeling ok today and I'm sure your OH see's why you are upset. Try not to worry xx

 

[msflowerfairy]

LOL i just noticed where you are from, and there is me recommending NHS Direct. One word for me...Muppet!

 

[LEW32]

Thanks all- you definitely made me feel better! I was just so upset---I mean, I am doing everything I can to be healthy (not taking any meds even though I get severe headaches, not using my special face creams, not eating alot of things that could be dangerous) and I need from my OH is to help me out where he can. I think he understands now...he just doesn't think sometimes!