Title: Are Paint Fumes Bad to Inhale in Your Home? | Molekule Blog
Headings: Are Paint Fumes Bad to Inhale in Your Home?
Are Paint Fumes Bad to Inhale in Your Home?
What is in paint fumes?
Health risks and effects of breathing paint fumes
Risks for special populations
How long are paint fumes harmful?
How to get rid of paint smells and other safety tips
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Written by Catherine Poslusny

Content: VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate at room temperature and have been found to cause a wide range of adverse health effects. The solvents present in paint can emit a variety of VOCs, including: Toluene
Xylene
Ethanol
Benzene
Dichloromethane
Formaldehyde
Trichloroethylene
Propylene glycol
Glycol ethers
Styrene
Acetone
The exact chemical makeup of paint fumes depends on the type of paint used. According to the EPA, water-based paints, usually referred to as latex or acrylic paints, emit fewer chemicals than oil-based paints. Choosing “no-VOC” or “low-VOC” paints can help decrease indoor air pollution and reduce health risks to members of the household, though they may still emit odors or other unwanted substances such as pesticides. Note: Though our focus is on interior paints, art and craft paints can also emit varying levels of VOCs. Because they are continually working with paints, solvents, resins and other potentially harmful materials, artists should take special care to protect the air quality of their studio or workspace. Health risks and effects of breathing paint fumes
The chemicals present in paint fumes can cause both short- and long-term health effects. While painting, and as the paint is drying, some people may experience symptoms such as headaches, eye watering, dizziness and breathing problems.