For tips on working safely with paint, follow this link . Many paint-related products contain petroleum distillates. Some solvents in paint products are flammable or corrosive , others explode easily , and most are toxic . Most solvent exposure results from breathing vapors. Breathing solvent vapors, even for very short periods, can lead to lung and throat irritation, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, disorientation, and even unconsciousness and death.
Many symptoms pass quickly when exposure stops.
Repeated exposure to some solvents can lead to chronic bronchitis, permanent liver and kidney damage, neurological problems, cancer, or birth defects. To reduce exposure, adequate ventilation is critical. This means opening two windows, or a window and a door, for cross-ventilation, and using a fan to keep air moving. Another option is to use the product outdoors. A dust mask will not protect you from exposure to solvents.