Health Facts

There are two basic types of paint to choose from: water-based paints, often referred to as acrylic emulsions, and solvent-based paints. High-quality water-based paints offer not just an excellent all-round performance profile, they are also a good choice from a health and environmental perspective. Solvent-based paints, the more traditional type of paint, require users to excercise
a degree of caution to avoid risks relating to potential health hazards.

All solvents are potential health hazards, even if toxicity varies from solvent to solvent. Certain solvent properties, and their known effects are specific, others are common to a group. Solvents can penetrate into the human body by three paths:

• The respiratory tract (by inhaling the vapours)
• The Skin (through unprotectd contact)
• The digestive system (if swallowed in liquid form)

Limited exposure to solvents can be free from harm if under certain thresholds, varying according to the individual solvent. However, the impact of solvents on health should not be underestimated, as exposure can lead to any of the following:

• Irritation of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes
• Respiratory problems
• Headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Light-headedness
• Effects to the nervous system
• Blood, liver, kidney diseases
• Carcinogenic effects

Clearly, the level of impact on human health varies according to level and duration as well as frequency of exposure. Long-term exposure to solvents can lead to problems which may include dermatitis. Exposure to very high levels of certain solvent vapours can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

Professional painters are a key risk group, as they are often occupationally exposed to solvents over prolonged periods. According to a report by The World Health Organisation: International Agency for Research on Cancer, there is a link between working as a professional painter and an increased risk of cancer of up to 20%, with the increased risk of lung cancer 40%.

Other notable risk groups are small children and the elderly – certain solvent vapours are particularly hazardous to these more vulnerable populations. Scientists in  Europe see a connection between the alarming rise in respiratory ailments amongst young children such as asthma over the last 10-15 years and pollutants presence in indoor air.

DIY painters can do a number of things to protect things against potential health hazards and solvents. For a start, always use a non-toxic paint over any standard toxic products and make sure the pigments used are also non toxic.

source: Paint Quality Institute UK

OVERVIEW

Oil-based paints both contain and require solvents for cleaning brushes or rollers, such as turpentine, which are highly flammable as well as hazardous (inhalation may cause irritation of nose and chest, coughing, chest discomfort, headache and dizziness). Water-based paints may contain a series of hazardous chemicals such as Ammonia, which is a pigment stabiliser (and can irritate the eyes and lungs). Glycol esters are solvents that cause the latex particles in water-based acrylic paints to coalesce into a continuous film (and can be absorbed through skin, with long exposure causing organ damage). Any given paint may contain heavy metals (such as cobalt and cadmium) as they are used as colours, biocides or drying agents. They are also neurotoxins and can damage the kidneys and liver. All typical paints if used indoors in a poorly ventilated area can cause serious health issues, though in recent years zero-VOC paints have been introduced to counter health impacts.

Read the labelling on the paint or solvent to identify the amount of chemicals used. Try to source water-based paints rather than solvent-based (these are now available even for clear lacquers), and low- or zero-VOC products where possible. Do not confuse 'natural' paints with the latter - these natural products can still emit hazardous chemicals and some are not durable requiring frequent repainting.

Avoid using oil-based paints and solvent-based lacquers indoors. In many cases, water-based substitutes are now available. If painting indoors wear a respirator suitable for organic vapours and keep the room well ventilated during and after painting (until the odour is no longer detected). If this is done correctly you will be minimizing the effects of the chemicals irritating your skin, eyes and lungs.