The most serious health hazard in painting comes from inhaling solvents and other toxic substances. Solvents can produce a variety of health problems, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the nose and eyes. If solvent vapors become highly concentrated due to poor ventilation, acute symptoms can include bronchitis, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Other compounds associated with paints can cause health risks. Polyurethanes, as just mentioned, can cause various health risks depending on their chemical composition.
Paint can cause irritation when it gets on the skin.
Only proper skin cleaners should be used to remove paint from skin. Also, protective clothing, goggles, and solvent-resistant gloves should be worn during painting operations. When homes are being built or remodeled, painters can often be exposed to dusts from lumber, insulation, or sheetrock. Dust hazards can cause irritation, resulting in a variety of respiratory diseases, including allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. There are many information sources available to assist in identification of respiratory hazards.