Many Kiwis enjoy DIY, and painting is one of the easier tasks to update the look of your home or maintain your boat. While painting is safe, there are some hazards to be aware of and ways to reduce potential harm.
Lead-based paint
House paints no longer contain lead; however, old lead-based paint often needs to be removed from surfaces. Many homes built prior to the 1980’s in New Zealand may have used lead-based paint or it may be present beneath layers of more recently applied paint. Old furniture, including baby cots, may also have layers of lead-based paint. When older paint is damaged and flaking off this can cause lead exposure to occupants, especially children, pregnant women, and pets.
Lead-based paint test kits are available at many paint and hardware stores. We recommend testing paint prior to renovating an older home or if pre-existing paint is flaking. Painted baby cots made prior to the 1980s should also be tested regardless of whether the paint is flaking.
There are very specific techniques to follow when removing lead-based paint to ensure everyone’s safety. For more detailed information about working on lead painted surfaces click here
If you or somebody you know may have been exposed to lead-based paint, call 0800 764 766 to discuss the situation with the National Poison Centre.
Antifouling paint
Antifouling paints are heavy duty paints applied to boats to resist corrosion. These often contain copper and other compounds that can be harmful to human health and the environment.
For more information on working safely with antifouling products click here
Storing paints and paint thinners
Remember to store all chemicals and paints in the original labeled containers as required by law. Storing mineral turpentine and many other household chemicals in old drink bottles has caused accidental but potentially harmful ingestions.
Used brushes and rollers should not be stored in the fridge or freezer between use. Although this keeps them from drying out, the fumes of the paint can affect the smell or taste of food present. Wrapping rollers or brushes tightly in plastic i.e. cling film, and storing them outside a fridge or freezer in a safe place out of reach of children will have the same effect