Priya Kapoor
Paint is a suspension of finely divided pigment particles in a liquid composed of a binder (resin), a volatile solvent or water, and additives that impart special characteristics. Workers in the painting industry are exposed to various chemical agents and toxic hazards, which can have adverse health effects, especially with daily exposure. These chemicals are present in the paint itself and in the processes used to apply and remove it. For example, exposure to dichloromethane occurs during paint stripping, diisocyanate is present in some binders, and silica is used in surface preparation. Oil-based paints contain toxic solvents and off-gas harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Inhalation of these fumes over time can lead to serious health issues, including kidney, brain, and liver damage, blood deficiency, and even cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemical Agents | Oleoresins, organic solvents, organic and inorganic pigments, extenders, resins, additives (catalysts, surfactants, driers, plasticizers, biocides), binders, metal compounds, nanoparticles, silica, chromium compounds, carbon black, cadmium, cobalt, lead, manganese |
| Health Effects | Kidney, brain and liver damage, blood deficiency, cancer, DNA damage, Dutch Painter's Syndrome, lung and bladder cancer, mesothelioma, childhood leukemia |
| Routes of Exposure | Inhalation, cutaneous contact, ingestion |
| Mitigation | Use of respirator masks, gloves, low or no-VOC paints, personal protective equipment, ventilated paint booths |
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What You'll Learn
Inhalation of solvents and other volatile components
Paint is a suspension of pigment particles in a liquid composed of a binder (resin), a volatile solvent or water, and additives. Oil-based paints contain toxic solvents that help the paint spread more evenly. These paints also off-gas harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Once oil-based paints dry, the VOCs evaporate and can be inhaled.
Painters are exposed to a variety of pigments and fillers when removing old paint, and to solvents and harmful VOCs when applying new paint. Solvents and other volatile components can be absorbed into the body through inhalation, with particles containing harmful substances retained in the lung for years. Chromium compounds, for example, are distributed to all organs after entering the bloodstream, with the highest concentrations found in the kidneys, liver, and bones.
The use of respirator masks can help protect against inhalation of harmful substances. Choosing low or no-VOC paints and ensuring adequate ventilation in the work area can also significantly reduce the risks associated with inhalation of solvents and other volatile components.
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Dermal contact with paint
Paint is a suspension of finely divided pigment particles in a liquid composed of a binder (resin), a volatile solvent or water, and additives that impart special characteristics. Oil-based paints include toxic solvents that make the paint spread more evenly. These products also off-gas harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Once these paints dry, the VOCs evaporate into the atmosphere and can be inhaled.
Many oil-based paints are made of solvents, metal compounds (such as cadmium, chromium, and inorganic lead), and other harmful materials. Workers in the painting industry are potentially exposed to the chemicals found in paint products during their application and removal. Exposure to dichloromethane occurs during paint stripping from wood and metal surfaces. Diisocyanate is present in some binders and is released during painting.
Dermal exposure to paint can cause significant injury and lead to severe chemical dermal injury. Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, is a volatile hydrocarbon used in paint strippers and removers. Toxicity from methylene chloride may include narcosis and elevated carbon monoxide (CO) levels. Prolonged exposure to methylene chloride and other hydrocarbon-based solvents can cause chemical dermal injury. This injury likely results from the destruction of lipids within the epidermis and dermis and direct chemical injury.
Dermal exposure to n-hexane and other solvents (benzene, toluene, xylene) has the potential to cause neuropathy, CNS effects, and skin irritation. Occupational exposures have been associated with damage to motor and sensory nerves, often resulting in symptoms such as numbness and paresthesia in the distal extremities. DIC chemicals, including toluene diisocyanate (TDI), are commonly used in the manufacture of paints and can be absorbed through the skin.
Persulfate salts, used in hair bleaches and colouring preparations, can cause skin reactions such as irritant dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, rhinitis, and asthma. Chronic exposure to irritants in these products can enhance allergic contact sensitization to dyes and other chemicals. Acrylates, commonly used by nail technicians for artificial nails, have been known to induce irritant and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).
Contact dermatitis is a common skin reaction that can affect anyone who comes into contact with irritating chemicals or allergens. It is characterised by an itchy rash that can form anywhere on the body and is usually a patch of skin covered in bumps that are red, itchy, and sometimes painful. Symptoms of contact dermatitis can occur after a single exposure or repeated exposures over time. It is important to identify the cause of the rash and avoid or minimise further exposure to the irritant. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams, antihistamines, and corticosteroid creams can help relieve symptoms.
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Exposure to lead, chromium and other heavy metals
Paint is a suspension of finely divided pigment particles in a liquid composed of a binder (resin), a volatile solvent or water, and additives that impart special characteristics. Oil-based paints include toxic solvents that make the paint spread more evenly. These products also off-gas harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many oil-based paints are made of solvents, metal compounds (such as cadmium, chromium, and inorganic lead), and other harmful materials.
Lead compounds have been used in paints as primers, pigments, and driers. Chromium VI and lead are hazardous substances frequently present in specific types of paints, particularly those used outdoors or where robust durability is essential. These paints can become dangerous when disturbed, such as during demolition, posing risks to workers and the environment. The removal of Chromium VI and lead paint requires the creation of a hermetically sealed zone and the use of protective gear to prevent exposure.
The use of respirator masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) can significantly reduce the risks associated with exposure to paint chemicals. Workers in the painting industry are potentially exposed to chemicals during paint application and removal. Exposure to dichloromethane occurs during paint stripping from wood and metal surfaces, and diisocyanate is present in some binders and is released during painting.
Studies have found increased levels of DNA damage among painters due to occupational exposures in painting. In addition to the health risks for painters, exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy has been correlated with the development of childhood leukaemia in the unborn child.
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Asbestos exposure
Painters are at risk of exposure to asbestos, a toxic and dangerous mineral that was historically used in paint mixtures to improve strength and durability. Asbestos was commonly added to paints used in shipyards and on bridges, but it was also present in paints used in homes and offices. Asbestos-containing paint was applied to surfaces such as drywall, plaster, and roof coatings, as well as ceiling paint, silver paints, and joint compounds.
The danger of asbestos lies in its small, spindly fibres, which can easily become airborne and inhaled. Once inhaled, these fibres can lodge in the lung, stomach, or heart tissue linings, causing irritation and damage. Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs and abdominal cavity. It is also linked to other lung illnesses, including lung cancer and asbestosis. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases are often difficult to identify, and the illness may take over 10 years to develop after initial exposure.
Painters are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure when working with drywall, as asbestos-containing drywall panels and joint compounds were commonly used in construction. Sanding joint compounds or being in the vicinity of drywall work can expose painters to asbestos fibres. Before the development of modern safety protocols, painters were routinely exposed to asbestos and other hazardous chemicals without the benefit of protective equipment such as respirator masks or gloves.
Today, the dangers of asbestos are well-known, and there are strict regulations in place to manage and remove asbestos-containing materials. In most cases, asbestos must be removed by certified professionals before a building can be occupied. However, it is possible to "paint over" asbestos-containing materials using compounds that satisfy legal encapsulation criteria. This involves treating the asbestos-containing material with a sealant that surrounds and encases the asbestos fibres, preventing their release into the air.
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Cancer risks
Painters face serious health risks due to their routine exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The health risks are not limited to professional painters but also apply to homeowners and hobbyists who paint. Oil-based paints, in particular, contain toxic solvents that make the paint spread more evenly. These paints also off-gas harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released into the atmosphere and inhaled by painters and decorators.
Painters and paint manufacturers have been found to have increased rates of non-malignant diseases and cancers, including lung cancer, acute leukaemia, bladder cancer, and cancers of the oesophagus, larynx, biliary system, liver, skin, and large bowel. In 1989, the IARC Monograph Volume 47 classified occupational exposure as a painter as a Group-1 carcinogen based on an increased risk of lung cancer. This was reaffirmed in Monograph Volume 98 (IARC, 2010), which also noted increased risks for mesothelioma and bladder cancer.
Several studies have found a strong correlation between a painter's occupational exposure to paint and the risk of developing cancer. Three out of four studies reported increased levels of DNA single-strand breaks among painters, indicating that occupational exposures in painting lead to increased levels of DNA damage. A study among 208 Korean workers found that paint users, particularly coal-tar paint users, had higher levels of aromatic DNA adducts compared to on-site controls. Another study based on the New Zealand Cancer Registry found that trade painters or those manufacturing paints had higher rates of bladder cancer, kidney and other urothelial tumours, and multiple myeloma.
The risks of developing cancer from paint exposure can be mitigated by taking certain precautions. Individuals can choose low or no-VOC paints, which have been shown to significantly reduce the risks associated with paint exposure. Additionally, wearing personal protective equipment, such as respirator masks and gloves, can help shield against hazardous chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Exposure to paint chemicals can lead to serious health issues, including kidney, brain and liver damage, blood deficiency, and even cancer.
Paint contains many chemical compounds, including solvents, pigments, metals, resins, and plasticizers. Some specific examples are cadmium, cobalt, lead, manganese, carbon black, silica, chromium, and asbestos.
Workers can be exposed to paint chemicals through inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure, especially during spray painting when solvents and other volatile components are inhaled.
Yes, the hazardous ingredients in paint are typically listed on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that is available from the supplier or manufacturer. OSHA also regulates most of these chemical additives. Additionally, workers should wear personal protective equipment, such as respirator masks and gloves, to minimize direct exposure.
Yes, water-based paints have become more popular recently, and there are also resin-based paints that emit lower levels of VOCs. Some manufacturers, such as ECOS Paints, offer zero VOC and odor-free products that are suitable for individuals with chemical sensitivities or allergies.
