Toxic effects vary and depend upon the amount of exposure, but most solvents affect the central nervous system. At one time paints contained lead, a toxic metal found to be poisoning children who ate chips of paint peeled from walls. Although lead is not used as a component of paint today, you should be cautious about using or disposing of old paint which likely does contain lead. Remodeling an older home and track-in of soil from outdoors can also generate hazardous levels of lead in house dust. Alternatives Choose latex paint over oil-based paint whenever possible.
Latex paints are safer than oil-based paint because they are free of flammable and toxic solvents.
Most latex paints do contain some solvents, but much less than oil-based paints do. Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air into the room while you work. Avoid spray-painting to limit the amount of fumes and particles that you inhale. If you are painting portable objects, do it outdoors. Paint rags are a hazard, too.