Fresh paint odor can be an irritant for many people especially if the painted area is in a space in which people must continue to work or live while construction or renovation continues. If you renovate your home, it is virtually impossible to get away from fresh paint odor unless you move out of the house until it totally dissipates. Depending on the type of paint, it could take a while for the fumes to go away. In a large office building or work place, there can also be significant use of fresh paint even while people continue to work. Of course, there is always the caution for pregnant women to stay away from freshly painted areas no matter what. But for those who must continue to live or work in spaces that are painted, here are a few tips that can help minimize fresh paint odor.

Use Low or No VOC Paints

The interest in nontoxic paint is a growing phenomenon among consumers since there are more and more who recognize the dangers of breathing the volatile organic compounds (VOC) in many types of paint. VOC are generally solvents that make spreading paint easier and to help the paint to last longer. Some paints also have small amounts of pesticides added to help stave off small pests that can harm the finish. VOCs pollute the air, especially indoors, and can be a source of minor or major irritation and respiratory damage to many people. Manufacturers are listening to the increasing demand by consumers who want a safer, nontoxic paint. Today, there are several companies that offer low VOC or no VOC paints that are much safer for indoor use. The cost is not prohibitive and is generally competitive with other paints. There is a pronounced difference in the smell of fresh, low VOC paint to its more toxic counterpart.

Do-It-Yourself Odor Control

Typical latex paint is generally less toxic and also less odor problematic than acrylic or lead paints, but can still cause indoor pollution and fume problems for many people. However, for those who want to simply minimize the fresh paint odor in typical latex paint, there is a simple way to lessen the fumes that is quite noticeable. For every gallon of latex paint you use, add 1 small box of Arm and Hammer soda. Just dump the box into the gallon and mix. Unlike what you may think, the soda dissolves completely and does not leave a gritty residue or white color behind when painting. You will never know you used it in your gallon of paint, but you will be surprised to find that the fumes are minimized and more tolerable even immediately after painting.

If you are planning on painting your home, office or any other living space, the best solution is to simply purchase no VOC paints from nontoxic paint distributors. If that is not an option, you can simply do it yourself by adding one small box of Arm and Hammer soda to every gallon in order to minimize fresh paint odor.

Meredith Lee writes about a variety of interesting topics for online readers. Come visit the newest website at http://www.bedwithdrawers.net/ which can help people find their best deals on beds with drawers and more info about quality storage beds for everyone.