Waste paint thinners and reducers are used in paint preparation, painting and clean-up.
Most solvents are highly volatile.
In their gaseous form, they can react with sunlight to form ozone or smog. When ground level ozone forms, it can irritate and damage lungs. This is a particular problem for people who are afflicted with lung diseases such as emphysema, cystic fibrosis or cancer. The elderly, children and individuals with impaired immune systems are also particularly sensitive to these pollutants in the air. Of even greater concern is the fact that several of the solvents are suspected or known human carcinogens.