Hazards of surface coatings

The major constituents of most paints can be grouped into four general

categories:

1. Resins

2. Pigments

3. Solvents

4. Additives

Substances can enter the body through inhalation, absorption through the

skin, or ingestion, with the most common route being inhalation. There is

a risk of chemicals entering the body during mixing, application and/or

clean up when using the paint.

What are the hazards? 

1. Resins: 

Resins themselves are not classified as toxic, however, it is

possible for some resins to be asthma causing agents and induce

inflammation of the mucous membranes and nose. Some also react

with the moist tissues of the respiratory system and eyes, causing

irritation, or can be very irritating to the skin. Although there are a

lot of misconceptions about isocyanates, it is important to

understand the main health issues and these are addressed

under Polyurethane Paints and Lacquers. The typical effects of

overexposure to isocyanates include chills, fever, flu like

symptoms and tightness of the chest. Epoxies, polyamines and

polyamides have been known to cause dermatitis. When skin

contact does occur, wash thoroughly with lukewarm water and

soap.

2. Pigments: 

Lead and Zinc/Lead Chromates: the toxic effects of these are well

documented. Lead poisoning symptoms include general weakness,

loss of appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, pains in the muscles,

joints and abdomen, mental retardation, anaemia, sterility, central

nervous system disorders and reproductive effects. Zinc/Lead

Chromates have been implicated in lung cancer of workers

handling these pigments. Pigments in the finished paint are locked

up by encapsulation in the resinous binder, however, sanding

creates dusts in which pigments are more bio-available.

3. Solvents: 

Solvents cause headaches, drowsiness and unconsciousness,

irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and central nervous

system depression with similar symptoms to drunkenness. People

can become addicted to some of these solvents and drinking

alcohol during the day may increase the toxic risks of these

solvents.

4. Additives: 

Additives may irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory organs.

5. Toxic Metals in Paint

Mercury (phenyl mercuric acetate) has been used as a biocide in paint,

but was banned from use in interior latex paint in 1991 and voluntarily

withdrawn from exterior latex in 1991. (A biocide generally means

any substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such

as bacteria, molds, fungi, etc.) Mercury-containing biocides are still

allowed in exterior latex paints, but manufacturers are working to

reduce or eliminate it.Another issue that the paint industry has

addressed is lead-based paint. The use of leaded-pigments in paints

was banned in 1973. Concern about existing paint-in-place

contamination exists. Paints with high levels of heavy metals can be

identified by checking the container labels or contacting the

manufacturer listed on the label. These paints may need to be treated

as potentially hazardous.

6. Lead-based Paint

Lead poisoning through exposure to existing lead based paint-in-place

is a public health concern. Consumers can call the National Lead

Information Center hotline (1-800-LEAD-FYI) to request information

packets regarding lead. The hotline for questions about lead is 1-800-

424-LEAD. Consumers can also call the Nebraska Department of

Health at (402) 471-2541 or their local health department. The Joint

Paint Industry Coordinating Council has published a pamphlet

discussing what consumers should do if they suspect their home has

lead-based paint. The publication "Dealing with Lead-Based Paint"

along with other publications are available through the Paint and

Coatings Industry Information Center (202-332-3194).

Hazards of Paint Thinner

The biggest hazard of paint thinner is that it's combustible. Vapors from

paint thinner can cause cause dizziness, headache, eye irritation and

more. Also, contact with the skin may cause irritation, numbness, drying

of skin and dermatitis.