Paint vapor poisoning

Dyes are used in various industrial and household applications. The color of paints and enamels is given by pigments, which by their chemical structure can be mineral, organic, synthetic or of natural origin. Paints contain heavy metal compounds (arsenic, lead, copper, zinc) or organic compounds that are also highly toxic.

Causes of the paint vapor poisoning

Paint vapor poisoning occurs because the toxic components of paint materials adversely affect the skin, respiratory organs and gastrointestinal tract. All paints lose their toxic properties after drying.

Among all paint components, solvents (butanol, toluene, dimethyl ketone and others) are the most dangerous. They are highly volatile and have a local irritant effect on mucous membranes and skin. They penetrate into the respiratory tract and lungs, provoking a number of acute respiratory diseases. Against this background, exacerbation of chronic pathologies and allergic reactions in people with predisposition is possible.

According to studies, most often intoxication occurs during painting work, that is, it is related to professional activities:

• Working with paints in a room without ventilation.
• Painting large surfaces.
• Work in a room with high temperature (provokes increased evaporation of solvents).
• Working without personal protective equipment.
• Self-dilution of paints with solvents.
• Use of poor quality paints, solvents with high content of heavy metals.

Poisoning by volatile compounds is possible, as when working with fresh paint, and when scraping off the old coating, burning painted elements of decor, furniture.

Symptoms of the paint vapor poisoning

General symptoms of intoxication are manifested by such conditions:

• Dizziness.
• Intense headache.
• General weakness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blueing of the skin.
• Fever in the throat and nasopharynx.
• Dry cough and sneezing.
• Tear production and rhinorrhea.
• Tinnitus.
• Foreign body sensation and burning sensation in the eyes.

The general symptomatology is supplemented by signs of intoxication with the specific solvent contained in the paint. For example, poisoning with dimethyl ketone vapors (acetone) causes CNS damage, which is similar to the symptoms of intoxication. Intoxication with butyl acetate vapors causes intense burning in the nasopharynx, eyes and mouth.

There are two types of paint vapor poisoning:

1. Acute - most often it is diagnosed in the spring and summer periods, when people massively make repairs. The danger of intoxication is that a person may not immediately recognize pathological symptoms. And this threatens to worsen the general condition and the development of complications.
2. Chronic - diagnosed in people who regularly inhale paint vapors through the upper respiratory tract. The pathological condition is manifested by depression and constant fatigue, which does not go away even after a good rest.

As for chronic pathological processes, people who are in daily contact with paint and varnish materials are prone to them. In this case, the symptomatology builds up gradually over a long period of time.

Signs of chronic paint vapor exposure include:

• Deterioration of general well-being.
• Decreased mood, depressive state.
• Digestive disorders: nausea, flatulence, stool and appetite disorders, heartburn, belching.
• Eye redness, burning and itching.
• Sleep disturbance.
• Chronic non-productive cough.

Complications and consequences

Possible consequences of intoxication with paint vapors:

• Conjunctivitis.
• Tracheitis, rhinitis, laryngitis, tracheobronchitis, rhinopharyngitis.
• Gastritis, gastroduodenitis.
• Hepatitis.
• CNS lesions: tremors, severe headaches, hallucinations, convulsions.
• Hypertension or hypotension of a chronic nature.
• Upper respiratory burns.
• Chronic oxygen deprivation.

Diagnostics of the paint vapor poisoning

It is difficult to diagnose this condition, because in the first months the symptoms are absent or blurred. The first thing to pay attention to is the deterioration of general well-being, rapid fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders, decreased physical and mental activity. The danger of poisoning is that a person quickly enough gets used to discomfort. This leads to further progression of symptoms and the development of complications.

Treatment of the paint vapor poisoning

First aid in acute poisoning is aimed at evacuating the victim from the place of exposure to toxins. It is necessary to provide a supply of fresh air to the victim, give plenty of alkaline drink. In chronic lesions, first aid is ineffective, the patient should be taken to the hospital.

Treatment begins with examination of the victim and taking tests. Laboratory diagnostics allows determining which toxins have entered the body. Patients are washed out of the stomach, measures to clear the lungs of accumulated toxins and intravenous glucose is administered. To support the work of the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system prescribe drugs. Detoxification therapy includes taking immunomodulators and a set of preventive measures.

Prevention

Prophylactic recommendations for preventing paint vapor poisoning:

• Work with paint and varnish materials should be carried out in protective clothing, covering all parts of the body, with respirator and, if necessary, goggles.
• The work area should have effective ventilation.
• When working for long periods of time, you should take regular breaks to get fresh air.

Poisoning is a dangerous condition that requires qualified medical assistance. The earlier detoxification therapy is carried out, the lower the risk of complications.