Question about eco-friendly paint and painters due to bad reaction

Question

Two weeks ago I had my bedrooms painted with standard Benjamin Moore paints (water based latex plus a super-hide primer), plus the painters used oil-based stain killers due to extensive water damage we had on our ceilings. This was only the second time we painted our bedrooms (last time was in 1992 and the painter used the California brand). I never had a reaction to paint the previous time. Now, the smell throughout my house was horrible (like turpentine) and it lasted for a week. I suffered a very bad allergic reaction and after-effects to either the paint or the stain killer (especially difficulty with breathing, skin burning and dizziness). I am having difficulty sleeping and I am still feeling the effects of "off-gassing" two weeks later, as if I'm breathing out of a paper bag. What can I do? Is it possible to correct the problem and re-paint using eco-friendly paints over this paint? Does anyone know of an eco-friendly paint company that does work in New York City? I am in Brooklyn. Thanks so much for any help, I am really suffering here. P.S. - I am seeing a pulmonary doctor this week also.

Answer 1

You are reacting to the VOCs in the paint - or volatile organic compounds.  I'm with you - I cannot stand the smell of regular paint anymore.  

Many companies sell low or no VOC paint now, but I'm unsure whether it will lock out the odor of what is already on there.  

You probably need to get out the house while it airs and you figure out what to do.

You might try contacting AFM manufacturing and asking the paint-over question.  They make several products that are less toxic.  

Also, before you paint again, test the paint on a piece of wood and sleep with it next to your bed for a few days/weeks (assuming you are in a clean environment away from the current paint).  This way you can test for tolerability.  

Check out this page below :

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

The above web site has loads of info about healthy products and materials.  I hope you find all the help you need.  I'll send up a prayer for you!

Hope this helps.