PAINT

HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT POSSIBLE EFFECTS
ORGANIC SOLVENT Irritating to eyes and skin, can cause cracking of skin and depression of nervous system

The typical paint mixture is 5-25% pigment and 75-95% solvent. The type of pigment and solvent used largely defines the toxicity of the paint. Paints may become hazardous if fumes are inhaled or if paint is ingested. Another hazard associated with some paints is flammability. The label should state whether or not the paint you are using is flammable.

With the exception of latex paint, which has water as a solvent, solvents commonly used in paints include mineral spirits (naphtha), toluene, xylene, and other petroleum distillate solvents. These solvents can irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs. Inhaling paint fumes can result in headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Toxic fumes can accumulate in closed spaces and areas with poor ventilation. Acute and chronic symptoms include muscle weakness, liver and kidney damage, and respiratory problems. Due to the high solvent content of oil-based paints and varnishes, women should avoid using these products while pregnant.

Indoor water-soluble latex paints may be of low toxicity unless ingested in large quantities. Exterior latex paint may contain a mercury pesticide to provide mildew resistance which could be highly toxic if ingested.

Use: If possible, use latex paint rather than oil-based or other paints that require a solvent to clean up. Not only will you eliminate the hazards from the solvents in the paint, you will eliminate the need to use additional solvents to clean brushes. Wear protective gloves. If you need to clean oil-base paint from your skin, massage with a few drops of baby oil, butter, or margarine. Wipe dry and wash with soap and water.

Whenever possible, paint outdoors. When painting inside make sure ventilation is adequate. Use a fan to direct fumes away from the area where you are working and to the out-of-doors. Take plenty of fresh air breaks. Do not place flammable paints near flames, sources of sparks, or areas of intense heat. Never smoke around paints or while painting.

Your paint is usable if it will mix up when stirred. Oil paint can be usable for up to 15 years. Latex paint is usable if it is less than 10 years old and has not been repeatedly frozen and thawed. To see if your latex paint is still usable after being frozen, brush it onto newspaper and see if there are lumps. Paint is not usable if lumpy.

Storage: Seal can tightly when not in use. Keep all paints and paint products away from children and pets. Store flammable paint away from heat, flame, and source of ignition. Do not allow paint to freeze.

Disposal: The best way to dispose of paint is to use it up. Some suggestions to use up old paint are to paint boards, signs, dog and bird houses, or use it as an under coat for another project. Paint can be recycled if there is more than one-third gallon of usable paint and the paint is in the original can with a legible label. If you have useable recyclable paint and you cannot use it, recycle it by giving the paint to someone who can use it, such as friends, neighbors, schools, and theater groups.

If your paint has completely dried inside the paint can, can be placed in the trash destined for the sanitary landfill. If you have liquid paint which cannot be used or recycled, secure and hold for a professional household hazardous waste collection or give to a licensed hazardous waste handler.

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