HANSEN MK, LARSEN M, COHR K-H. Waterborne paints: A review of their chemistry and toxicology and the results of determinations made during their use. Scand J Work Environ Health 13 (1987) 473-485. 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 TN"' 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.Key terms: biocides, headache, irritation, latex paint, monomers, sensitizers, siccatives, solvents, surface active compounds, trigeminal nerve.In the I970s there was a substantial change in the consumption of construction paints in Denmark. Before this time, most paints were formulated with white spirit as the main solvent. Today more than 90 070 of construction paints are waterborne. The reasons for this change may have been the public discussion of the possibility of brain damage due to solvent exposure, the technological developments, the information campaigns of the trade unions, and the regulation by the Danish Labour Inspectorate. The change has resulted in some further advantages, eg, fewer risks of fire or explosion and a decreased emission of solvents to the environment.The present review was initiated as a part of an investigation of whether or not health problems might be expected from work with waterborne construction paints. It is a compilation of a Danish report (21), and it deals with (i) the composition of waterborne paints according to specifications from the Danish manufacturers, (ii) the toxicology of the chemicals contained in these paints, with the main emphasis on effects related to exposure to these types of products, and (iii) analysis of chemicals evaporating from waterborne paints under work conditions. Review of the chemistry and the toxicology of waterborne paints Chemistry oj waterborne paintsThe following seven waterborne product types were examined: acrylic latex paint (flat), acrylic latex paint (semi-gloss), heavy-bodied latex wall paint, latex enamel, latex primer (micro disperse), latex wall paint, and sealing waterborne paint (for ceilings). They were chosen from the Danish market in collaboration with, among others, the Danish Painters' Union, representatives of the Dan...

No abstract