Hazardous substances in paint

When we decorate our house, we all hope that the paint we use does not contain harmful substances. We often judge by the smell. If we find that there is no smell after painting, we think that such paint is safe and healthy. In fact, this is not the case. Some harmful substances in paint do not have odor, so to choose a truly good paint, you still need to understand it from many aspects, especially pay attention to the toluene and xylene substances in it.

The hazards of painting

1. Benzene

There is benzene in paint, which is a highly toxic solvent. It has a fragrant smell and has anesthetic and stimulating effects on the human nervous system. Benzene compounds have been identified by the World Health Organization as strong carcinogens.

2. Toluene, xylene

Toluene and xylene are classified as moderately toxic solvents. They have anesthetic and irritating effects on the human body and are toxic to the nervous system at high concentrations. However, their residual toxicity in the human body is low and they can generally be eliminated through metabolism. People who are exposed to toluene and xylene for a long time should not drink liquor, let alone drink excessive amounts of strong liquor, because alcohol will prolong its residence time in the body, which is extremely harmful to health.

3. Ethylene glycol ether solvents

Glycol ether solvents will form highly toxic compounds after metabolism in the body, causing permanent damage to the human circulatory system and nervous system. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of glycol ether solvents can cause cancer. In addition, glycol ether solvents can cause permanent damage to the female reproductive system and cause female infertility.

4.TDI (Toluene diisocyanate)

TDI is mainly found in paints during decoration and is derived from the synthesis of PU paint curing agents. TDI has a low vapor pressure and can strongly irritate our cornea, easily causing sensitization and irritation, resulting in symptoms such as eye pain, tearing, conjunctival congestion, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, asthma, red papules, maculopapular rash, and contact allergy. After being inhaled by the human body, it will also damage the liver and kidney functions. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of TDI vapor will cause cancer.

5. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, irritating gas that is volatile, highly toxic, and can damage the respiratory tract and internal organs. It mainly exists in adhesives and water-based paints. Poor-quality wall putty is also a major source. (Generally speaking, formalin is a 35% to 40% formaldehyde aqueous solution.) Formaldehyde is highly toxic and has a strong irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes. It is produced in our body by the combination of protoplasmic poison and fiery protein, which can cause great damage to the retina.

The above is what we have introduced to you about the dangers of painting and what are the harmful ingredients in paint. After reading this, do you feel that there are so many harmful ingredients in paint? So you can’t move in right after the decoration! Wait until all the harmful ingredients are dispersed before moving in!