A Johns Hopkins University study found 300 toxic chemicals and 150 carcinogens that may be present in paint. Resins that cover the surface may contain ethylene, which may cause headaches, dizziness and loss of consciousness. Ethylene also is flammable and can be toxic to aquatic wildlife. Urethane alkyds, which cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, also may be present. Solvents that keep the resin liquefied contain aromatic hydrocarbons such as mineral spirits and toluene.
Mineral spirits can be a skin, eye, nose, throat and lung irritant, as well as flammable.
Very high air concentration may cause unconsciousness and death. Toluene may irritate the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Acute exposure results in central nervous system depression. Pigments that provide the color may contain heavy metals such as cadmium and chromium. Cadmium irritates the respiratory tract while chromium is an eye and skin irritant.