Besides the obvious of changing over to all water based paints, wearing a respirator in the fabrication area (if still using lead enamels), leaving the exhaust fan on for the duration of work time, stop eating the lead based paints, .....
What is a future pregnant signpainter to do to still keep working in the sign shop ?
Yes, I am in the computer room most of the time designing, but I am concerned about fumes. Can anyone help me with some "final answers" or concerns of their own on this subject?
------------------ Colleen Sack SixFlags Darien Lake Sign Shop Darien Center, NY dlsignhag@aol.com
Posts: 11 | From: buffalo, ny usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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Hi Colleen.....and congratulations to you! When I was pregnant....I had to let a fellow signpainter do all my work. (this was back in the 80's though)I was told not to inhale paint fumes, thinner.....etc. You are doing the right thing. Relax and enjoy!
Congratulations! I agree with Cheryl. Get as far away from any of that as you can! Even caffeine can affect a fetus' nervous system, I'm sure you know that. Even touching the paint can result in the absorption through the skin. I did paint letter one job when I was pregnant, but then thought about it and refused to come close to any of that. Even another shop to help with the painting to get the fumes further than 30 feet from you. It IS important, and you have the right to be concerned. signed, a proud mom and grandma!
------------------ Deb Creative Signs
[This message has been edited by Deb Fowler (edited March 30, 2001).]
Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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As you can guess, pregnancy never bothered me and all of the answers above are good ones but there are somethings that were'nt mentioned. Some persons just are not in the position to stop working and relax for almost a year.
First off, since you spend most of the time in the designing end, an Alpine air cleaner or one from Sharper Image should be in line both in the room you work in and the shop where the fumes are. These units do work wonders in regards to cleaning the air you breathe but get them for the amount of square footage those rooms contain. Secondly get yourself a comfortable chair geared for your own structure and remove that coffee machine from the premices.
------------------ cannot wait any longer for the BB to give me a password for my profile change.........
Posts: 7 | From: Main Street, USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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As many of you know, my employee left because she got pregnant. My shop at the time was attached to a bodyshop, so she feared the fumes. She got tested for chemicals, and carbon monoxide was extremely high. She quit on the spot.
Unfortunately, nearly everything in this biz is bad for a pregnancy. The vinyl gives off fumes too. The bending, climbing on ladders, etc. will prove tricky for you. I think it's a blessing in disguise that I was not able to get pregnant, and instead, chose adoption. I was climbing ladders the day before Cody was born! LOL
I'm not sure what advice I can give you, however the reason for me posting is just to share that I can relate with your concerns. Hassle's advice is pretty good since you must keep working. Cleaning the air, ensuring you have your windows cracked open, etc. In the 'old days', it was said that computers were bad for pregnancy as well. Not sure if this info is still vogue or not, however you may want to consider renting/buying a lead apron like they lay on you at the dentist when taking xrays. I know that's what I'd investigate ASAP if I were in your shoes.
posted
Can't afford to quit? The baby can't afford you to stay... if there are dangers,
(EVEN LIL ONES!) You don't need to ask, darling,,you are a smart woman, I know that... and I love you for asking.... you got my answer. keep us posted,, with all the great group you have here, we will do the "other work", just ask, you'll see!
------------------ Deb Creative Signs
Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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How exactly did all this come about anyway? What were you thinking? Now that you let this happen,you only got Two(2)choices.Think of Yourself OR Think of the Child.
------------------ PKing is Pat King of King Sign Design in McCalla,Alabama The Professor of SIGNOLOGY
Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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woweeeeee - how did this happen you ask? nothing has happened yet - i am inquiring because this planning is for (hopefully) the "future" - so i am getting input.
anyhow - i am living in the "toxic triangle" (the next love canal) of cheektowaga (near buffalo,ny). so between this and being a signpainter - i am stuck for a bit - and just searching for the time being - wondering what the heck to do. any questions, please feel free to email me at sfdlsigns@aol.com. thank you.
------------------ :) Colleen Santucci SixFlags Darien Lake Sign Shop Darien Center, NY sfdlsigns@aol.com
Posts: 11 | From: buffalo, ny usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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I was a pregnant signpainter... twice. I felt great when I was pregnant, and I remember painting a wall on a ladder at 7 months pregnant. Of course.. I was a spry youngster of 30 at the time. My second pregnancy I was 38, and it was a lot harder to buck an 80 lb bale of hay during that pregnancy. I don't recall doing anything differently while I was pregnant, but, my son was born with an extra finger so maybe there was some residue from the distractions of my misspent youth.... Anyway.. I think being careful and cautious will probably be your best course of action. And eat lots of broccoli. LE
------------------ LazyEdna in RL known as Sara Straw from southern Utah 5 National Parks within 3 hours drive Red Rock Heaven
Posts: 776 | From: Aurora, Utah, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi Colleen. Don't let everybody scare you. You seem like a sensible person, so I'm sure you wouldn't do anything risky. I have 3 kids, two of which were born when I was a signpainter. I have climbed ladders & etc. while prego, just think of all the work our ancestors did when pregnant. I always wore latex gloves (& still) do when using 1-Shot. Also, sit as much as you can while working & put your feet up at the end of the day. Try to drink plenty of water (you'll have to tinkle constantly anyway, so a little more won't matter). I had a lot of trouble with sciatica (or however ya spell it) during the last trimester. My midwife told me to close up shop at 8 months, so I did. All of the other suggestions about respirators & clean air stuff are good too. Good Luck! Love, JILL
------------------ Jill M. Welsh
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Colleene; you will replicate your own image, no matter what others sugggest is necessary and proper for child development. What you believe correct, is correct, and will materialize as such. So what you think is ok, will be ok because your thinking only reflects who and what you are and will prevail. Your understanding of life is an expression and intrepitation of correct behavior in that enviorenment you were born into and will be conveyed to your offspring, so we continue on the path of learning and life. Much like when we buy a new car, drive to "Yellowstone" to break it in, have a beer at Flathead Lake" and, get on Rt. 2 and go home to Conn. So that's the way life is....if you believe it to be so..and find upon your return that your wife,(Ex) was still and will continue to be popular with many of your friends and associates.
Kurtzman Norwalk, Ct.
------------------ Creative communication since 1959
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