@loribmt @artscaping If I am in a new building with new carpeting, etc, it makes my face turn red and puffy, and my ears will be bright red, hot and itching. I'll have a horrible headache, exhaustion, and asthma breathing issues. I didn't used to be this sensitive, but that changed as I got older. Some of it is caused by VOCs in adhesives and glues, and there is also formaldehyde used in glues and in processed woods like plywood or particle board. I bought a book about safer building materials before we had our home built. Because they had to use plywood for floors, I sealed it with Safecoat first while the house was under construction and before pre-finished hardwood flooring was laid. We only have hardwood and tile flooring and used formaldehyde free insulation and it makes a big difference for my health.

When I was in art school in oil painting class, a lot of people were using turpentine for brush cleaning that was open all the time, and I had horrible headaches. Even using paint thinner bothered me, but to a lesser degree, and I stopped painting in oils for years because of it. When I found out artists had safer solvents and were using walnut oil to thin oil paint instead of a solvent, I was able to paint in oils again. I keep my odorless solvent capped all the time anyway, except when cleaning at the end of the session, and then all the paper towels with solvent on them are sealed in a plastic bag. I also have HEPA air filters that also have carbon granules that absorb VOCs and clean that from the air which is the next best thing if you can't open a window. I will use the air filter when I'm painting too.

Would anti-histamines would help your itching? I also use a clear Caladryl lotion which helps itching. Itching is the low end of the pain threshold. Maybe some ice packs would deaden that response if it's really bad.

Chris, it's my turn now to wish that you will be safe and protected today.
Jennifer