More than five hundred thousand chemicals are commonly used in the United Stated, of which sixty thousand or so are used at work. Only a dozen or so are regulated to reduce the damage they cause to the reproductive system.
Substances known as organic solvents (aldehydes, ketones, esters, glycol esters are widely used in paints, preservatives, glues, and nail polish. They can be absorbed through the skin as well as inhaled, and most of tem cross the placenta and appear in breast milk. Women who work long hours in laboratories in nail salons, and who paint have a higher than normal risk of spontaneous abortion. Some of these substances may harm the kidneys and cause toxemia and high blood pressure in pregnant women.
Pregnancy is not the time to paint the house or the baby’s nursery or refinish, varnish, or shellac the floors of furniture. Women artists should avoid painting, especially in poorly ventilated areas. If pregnant women must have their homes or floors painted or refinished, they should have others do it while they are out of the house. It is best to use odor-free, nontoxic paints. If latex is used, make sure to ventilate the area well.