Even though the "volatile organic compound" (VOC) levels in paints products sold in the United States have been reduced to help control pollution, concentrations levels may still be high enough to pose potential health threats. All organic solvents are toxic in different degrees. It is due to the useful properties of organic solvents that magnify their hazard. Because they are volatile, there is chance of inhalation, or the gases or vapors can dissolve many things, they can also be absorbed through your skin. They may cause you a minor problem such as a skin rash or, if you swallow them, they may be fatal.
Be sure to read the warning label!
In order for you to reduce the risk to your health, select the least toxic product available for the job.
Least Toxic: Water based (latex). Check that mercury is not included as an additive to prevent mildew.
Moderately Toxic: Many of these ingredients are found in spray paints, paint removers and lacquers. All are highly flammable. methyl alcohol acetone isopropyl alcohol ethyl alcohol ethyl acetate methyl ethyl ketone.
Most Toxic: The following are known as aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons. They can be absorbed through the skin and therefore enter the bloodstream more easily than through inhalation only.
Learn to recognize the warning signs of exposure to organic solvents so that you don’t become a victim of poisoning. Strong effects that might occur during or immediately after you've been exposed to the chemical might include: irritability, nervousness, depression, irregular heartbeat, weakness, skin redness, watery eyes, nausea, headaches, or itching. Residual or long-term effects from frequent or prolonged exposure to organic solvents have not been thoroughly researched. Increased risk from exposure may cause permanent damage to liver, kidneys, bone marrow, and central nervous system.
Indoor air can be polluted enough to harm your family's health. If you're worried that the air in your home may put your family at risk, do a little investigating to find the likely culprit. Walk through your house and ask yourself a few questions to discover if the indoor air is causing a problem.
Do health symptoms improve when you step outdoors? Do they return when you come back into the house? If so, you may have an indoor air pollution problem and should explore the following potential sources.
1) Is anyone smoking indoors? Have smokers step outside when smoking.
2) Can you see or smell mold or mildew?
3) Are there leaks or standing water anywhere...in the basement, kitchen or attic?
4) Is humidity regularly above 50 percent?
5) Have you recently remodeled your home or bought new furniture, carpeting or have you painted?
6) Do you have fuel-burning appliances, such as a gas stove, water heater, or fireplace fully vented to the
outside?
7) Are household chemicals, paints or solvents stored indoors or in an attached garage or basement?
8) Is there an attached garage or basement where cars, lawnmowers or motorcycles are stored?
9) Have you used pesticides recently?
10) Is there an attached garage or basement where cars, lawnmowers or motorcycles are stored?
11) Have you tested your home for radon gas? Although radon doesn't cause noticeable,
physical symptoms, you should test your home for this dangerous substance.
12) Has food garbage been covered and removed?
13) Do you use odor- covering chemicals or "air-freshening" devices?
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