US EPA

3658379 

Journal Article 

Health Hazards Among Painters 

Ringen, K 

1982 

0 

Advances in Modern Environmental Toxicology
ISSN: 0276-5063 

NIOSH/00147506 

2 

111-138 

Health hazards among painters are reviewed. Current regulations concerning exposures to paint are discussed. The validity of the threshold limit value (TLV) concept established by the American Conference of Government Hygienists as a means of protecting the health of painters is criticized. It is noted that studies have shown that painters frequently complain of work related discomfort and experience disease effects for exposures that are well within existing TLVs. The concept of necessary risk is considered. According to this concept, all unnecessary, irreversible risks should be eliminated. Necessary substances posing such a risk should be used only under circumstances of adequate control. New substances with lesser health risks than those presently in use should be developed and new substances should not be released for commercial use without thorough testing and government approval. Categorizing of painters according to the necessary risk concept is discussed. Substances commonly used in industrial painting operations are discussed. Exposure is considered. It is noted that since most work environments cannot be controlled sufficiently to protect the health of painters, exposure to a small number of paint components should be eliminated. These include lead (7439921), chromium (7440473), mercury (7439976), asbestos (1332214), talc, aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene (108883), acetone (67641), styrene/ethyl-benzene mixtures, methyl-n-butylketone (591786), and epoxy resins.