Paint Fumes and MCS

The past two days I have had to leave my workplace because of inability to breathe.  It starts with my voice getting a little raspy, then I start to cough and it gradually gets worse.  All of the symptoms occur in approx. 1 hour.  The facility is being painted.  (I am a nurse in a correctional facility)  I am told that the painting will continue for the next 3 months.  Other than take a 3 month LOA what can I do?

[FurballsMom]

I can't think of anything different you can do.  With MCS avoidance is crucial for not getting sick.

[smarts]

Yes, avoidance of the paint smell is best however, if that is not possible, you may want to invest in a soft carbon mask.  I have heard good things about the I Can Breath! Honeycomb mask with activated carbon filter which can be purchased from Needs.com.  I own the organic cotton mask version which works well.

There is also paint with no or low VO.  Perhaps, you can convince the facility to change paints to one that is eco-friendly that does not emit the smells.  I am very sensitive to paint smells (causes throat tightening) and after much research, I had my closet painted with YOLO paint.