| 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 unprotected 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%.
More information can be found here.
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 take care to read the label on the can to discover
any potential dangers or risks involved with a particular
type of paint.
Key on-can hazard-related symbols:
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