Painting and decorating may not sound like an especially risky activity, but there are some important potential hazards to consider. 250,000 people in the UK are injured each year in accidents when decorating, so it's important to take a few safety precautions when you get the paintbrushes out.

An obvious hazard of decorating is that you'll need to use a ladder – unless you're very tall! Although ladders are safe when properly used, care needs to be taken. Slipping off the ladder's treads, overbalancing when stretching too far, and using ladders on uneven surfaces can all cause accidents.

Paints themselves can be hazardous too, although this depends on the paint. Certain paints give off volatile gas fumes which can lead to problems, both in the short and long term. These can include sickness, irritation of the eyes or nose, difficulty breathing, and light-headedness. If natural paints with low levels of petrochemicals are used, these problems can mostly be avoided. Women who are pregnant need to take extra care to avoid harming their babies.

In addition to dangers of inhaling gases from paints and other materials such as solvents and varnish, the chemicals in them can lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions. In particular, oil based paints are hard to remove when they get onto the skin. Painting ceilings and the tops of walls can bring a risk of paint splashes on the face and in the eyes.

While most people don't run into any major health problems as a result of decorating, it's good to keep in mind that there are some inherent dangers when dealing with chemicals and climbing ladders. Basic precautions should help avoid accidents, including opening windows when painting, using protective clothing to prevent inhalation or skin irritation, and knowing how to use ladders safely. If problems do occur, then don't ignore them – get to a GP or hospital as quickly as possible.

Paint Stinks? Find out more about Breathe Easy paints.