Waterborne paints. A review of their chemistry and toxicology and the results of determinations made during their use.

This work presents information on the composition of waterborne construction paints used in Denmark, data from determinations of chemicals evaporating from paints applied with a brush or roller, and the toxicology of these chemicals. Seven product types were selected to illustrate the composition of the paints. Measurements at two workplaces were used as models for the work environment during painting. Evaporating chemicals were collected on Tenax TA and analyzed with capillary column gas chromatography after thermal desorption. In smudging work, waterborne paints may result in skin irritation and/or sensitization when safety precautions are not taken. Irritation of the mucous membranes may be expected if airing is not sufficient. This irritation may lead to headache mediated by trigeminal nerve stimulation. No other health hazards (eg, brain damage) are expected. The available information indicates that waterborne paints are a clear improvement over traditional paints which use white spirit as the main solvent.