Title: Section 10: Painting and Drawing | Environmental Health & Safety | Baylor University
Headings: Section 10: Painting and Drawing
Section 10: Painting and Drawing
► Pigments
► Water-Based Paints
► Non Water-Based Paints
► Airbrush, Spray Cans and Spray Guns
► Dry Drawing Media
► Liquid Drawing Media
Pigments
Water-Based Paints
Non Water-Based Paints
Recommendation: During pregnancy and nursing, switch to water-based paints to avoid exposure to solvents.
Airbrush, Spray Cans, and Spray Guns
Dry Drawing Media
Liquid Drawing Media

Content: Alkyd paints use solvents as their vehicle. In addition many commercial paints used by artists also contain solvents. Hazards
See section above for pigment hazards. All solvents can cause defatting of the skin and dermatitis from prolonged or repeated exposure. Turpentine can also cause skin allergies and be absorbed through the skin. Acute inhalation of high concentrations of mineral spirits, turpentine vapors, and other solvents can cause narcosis, which can include symptoms of dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, loss of coordination, coma, as well as respiratory irritation. Chronic inhalation of large amounts of solvents could result in decreased coordination, behavioral changes and brain damage. Chronic inhalation of turpentine can cause kidney damage and respiratory irritation and allergies. Odorless mineral spirits and turpenoid, in which the aromatic hydrocarbons have been removed, are less hazardous. Ingestion of either turpentine or mineral spirits can be fatal.