Paint accidental exposure

Industrial painters may suffer adverse health effects from over exposure to paint by skin contact or accidental ingestion, from excessive inhalation of paint aerosol, solvent vapour, or of dust in the case of electrostatically-applied powder coatings (e.g. polyesters containing triglycidyl isocyanurate), or from exposure to thermal degradation products from heated paint or plastic coatings (Table 5.48). 

By the year 1956, more than 100 cases of illnesses and four cases of death due to poisoning by TDI were reported (Baader, 1956). In view of the increased use of isocyanates, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, USA, projected as early as 1978 that approximately 50,000 to 100,000 workers would be exposed to these chemicals within 2 years (NIOSH, 1978) this estimate was based on exposure at the workplace in polyurethane production, upholstery work, wire coating, and spray painting in the absence of any accidental spill (Axford et al, 1976 Editorial, 1966 Fuchs and Valade, 1951 Hill, 1970 Williamson, 1965). 

The primary route of exposure occurs via inhalation, ingestion, and eye and skin contact. The potential indoor exposures include paints and other coatings, inks, adhesives, nail polishes, cosmetics, and household cleaning supplies. Exposures can also occur through accidental industrial releases. 

A primary pathway for trichloroethane exposure is by inhalation of contaminated air both indoors (from building materials, aerosols, cleaning products, paints, or metals degreasing agents) and outdoors near industrial sites or accidental releases. Other routes of exposure include ingesting contaminated water or food or through the skin upon dermal contact. 

Because xylene is fairly volatile, exposure of humans occurs principally by inhalation and is most likely to occur near its principal sources that is, chemical plants and refineries, gas pumps, painting, and refinishing operations, and automobiles (e.g., in tunnels). Dermal exposure may also be significant, especially in an industrial setting, where skin may be exposed for long periods of time. Oral exposure is the least probable route and occurs primarily as a result of accidental poisoning or suicide. 

Rarely is a product introduced into the body by accidental injection. When this does occur the product is usually being used in a system employing high pressure equipment, such as airless paint sprayers. In the experience of this writer, the material injected rarely is sufficiently toxic to warrant concern. However, such exposures can result in massive tissue destruction since the injected material can compress blood vessels in the area of the injection. Such compression can interrupt the blood supply to the affected area and with such interruption, tissue can die quickly. First aid advice must provide such information and direct the patient to obtain professional medical care promptly. 

Sensitizaion occurred after accidental occupational exposure in an employee in the laboratory of a plastic paint factory. 

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