When the walls of the house become dirty or the applied paint completely falls off, then you get it white washed. Get it colored with distemper of your choice. Many people get their houses painted on the occasion of Diwali, so that the house looks clean. You must have noticed that when paint is applied on the walls of your house, a smell comes out of it. Many people like the fresh smell emanating from paint. But, is this smell healthy for your health? How these harsh chemical smells spread in the home environment can harm your health, know here…

What harm does painting the house do to health?
TOI According to a report published in, due to the compounds present in these paints, some people may experience problems like sore throat, cough, irritation, chest tightness etc. Actually, paint releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which spread into the environment of the house.

Actually, these VOCs are a type of chemicals, which easily evaporate in the air at room temperature. Thinners are also present in varnishes, paints, varnishes or many types of cleaning liquids. When these compounds are released when painted, they cause itching on the surface of the respiratory track. When you stay at the same place, they go inside through breath and cause swelling in the bronchial tubes. May also increase mucus formation. The airways swell and become narrow.

Can it cause harm to the respiratory system?
According to TOI, VOCs like benzene, formaldehyde etc. are some of the chemicals that can sometimes irritate the respiratory system, causing inflammation in the bronchial lining. More mucus starts being produced. However, this can happen due to continuous living in that environment. Those people who are sensitive to the smell emanating from this type of paint should stay away from the area while painting is being done.

Some people start sneezing again and again due to this kind of smell. Sore throat is felt. You may feel difficulty in breathing. All this can start within an hour. If you are healthy, it does not cause that much harm, but repeated exposure to VOCs can trigger sensitivity of the respiratory tract.

Whenever there is paint in your home, the elderly, children, smokers, people with COPD, asthma or any other respiratory problem should stay away as they are at higher risk.

If this kind of problem persists for a long time then definitely consult a doctor. Experts recommend getting some tests done like pulmonary function test, lung function test etc.

What things should you take care of?
-When painting your house, take care of proper ventilation. Keep the windows of the house open. You can also keep the exhaust fan on. Due to this, the paint compounds released in the room and hall can come out.

-It is not that you should not get white washing and painting done in your house, its side effects can be avoided by just taking some precautions. You should use non-VOC or low VOC paint.

Whenever you get paint done, take care of proper ventilation. Do not stay in any room or part of the house where fresh paint has been done.

-When painting, you can also wear a mask for extra safety. If you want, use water soluble paint. These emit less VOCs than oil-based paints. After painting the room, allow air circulation for at least two to three days, only then use the room. If you want, you can also use an air purifier.