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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reports of 19 incidents in which consumers suffered health problems after being exposed to water sealers. In some cases, consumers reported they had to leave their homes because of fumes. Two people died after exposure to water sealers. Some of the symptoms reported by consumers after exposure to water sealers were headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. The chemicals identified in these incidents included petroleum distillates, mineral spirits, xylene, toluene, and | naphtha. Many of these water sealers have labels warning not to use them inside. Use solvent-based water sealers outside unless labels give specific directions on how to use them safely indoors. If a water sealer is labeled for indoor use but does not have instructions for ventilation, open all windows and doors and use a fan to exhaust the air outside during application and drying. Be sure the air moves throughout the area in which the product is used. Observe all flammability warnings on the product label. |