The Dangers of Inhaling Paint Fumes

I just checked the filter on my painting mask and, after painting a whole MG kit, it is not looking pretty. When painting our model kits, sometimes, we neglect using masks, especially when we have a spray booth or we are spray painting outside. It may seem safe enough because the paint scatters in the air or the exhaust fan sucks the paint out the window, but there are still some of those toxic particles that make their way to our lungs. And this poses a problem if you paint regularly which makes your lungs exposed to paint fumes at a constant rate.

What makes paint toxic?

Paint (color pigment) requires a carrier or solvent to be applied to a surface. It is this solvent that contains the chemicals that are hazardous to human health. The stronger the solvent, the more toxic it is. The most commonly known toxic substances are called volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOCs are the byproduct of the solid or liquid (or both) components of paint. Generally, VOCs are at a higher concentration indoors. About 10 times as much compared to painting outdoors.

How does constant exposure to paint fumes affect our body?

Exposure to paint fumes can cause short-term and long-term effects depending of the length of time and intensity of exposure. Some examples of short-term (temporary) side-effects are:

• Irritation of eyes, nose, throat, and/or respiratory tract
• Visual disturbances
• Headaches
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Allergic skin reaction
• Fatigue
• Memory impairment

Some of the above effects can be chronic when you are exposed to paint fumes on a daily basis. Long-term effects of paint fumes can include:

• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Central nervous system damage
• Certain types of cancer
• Asthma