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If
you are mixing your own paints, be especially careful with
dry pigments, as they are easily inhaled. If you are sanding,
spraying, or heating paint, this will also increase your
risk of inhalation exposure to pigments.
Water-Based
Paints
Acrylics
contain a small amount of ammonia. Some acrylics and gouaches
contain trace amounts of formaldehyde. For people who are
sensitive to chemicals, these chemicals may cause a reaction.
Casein
paints may be dissolved in ammonium hydroxide. This is a
highly dangerous substance and if you are mixing casein
paints with ammonium hydroxide, the room should be well
ventilated.
Non-Water-Based
Paints
Turpentine and other mineral spirits are used as solvents
and are extremely dangerous in both the short and long term.
The best way to protect yourself from these solvents is
by choosing the least toxic solvents available. It is recommended
that pregnant women avoid exposure to solvents. When turpentine
and other solvents are evaporating, it is important that
the area is well ventilated.
Another
danger of non-water-based paints is rosin dust which can
cause asthma. Also, wax vapors (from heated wax) and epoxy
resins are respiratory irritants.
Aerosols
Aerosols pose a significant health risk because they are
in a form that is very easy to inhale. Precautions must
be taken, especially if there are solvents in the aerosol.
The danger of aerosols is not limited to paint aerosols
and includes fixatives, varnishes and any other material
in airbrush or spray can form.
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