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Toxicity of Ethylene Glycol in Latex Paints

Hello Doctor Parks,

I would like to understand more about latex paints that use Ethylene Glycol. I found some floor paint that uses this and I wonder why would this be used as Ethylene Glycol is toxic if someone drinks the liquid. When painting with this 'latex' paint, even with the windows open, I was dizzy and had a headache. It evaporates so fast! I thought that latex paint was more safe then oil paints but this one was very strong. It said 1 to 5% was in the paint (1 gallon tin) but that works out to 200 grams of Ethylene Glycol. I really wish a safe paint could be invented as I do not enjoy breathing these chemicals at all. Is there a long term health problem caused by breathing these fumes even if they are relatively weak?

Sincerely,


Greenengineer
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Avatar universal
Dear Greenengineer:
For toxicity information related to ethylene glycol, check out:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mhmi/mmg96.html#bookmark02

Ethylene glycol is odorless and not absorbed well through the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). It is also not well absorbed when inhaled.

That being said, there are other volatile chemicals in paints that could be related to your symptoms. There are probably not long-term health consequences to the symptoms that you are describing. I would recommend taking more frequent breaks to allow you to get some fresh air.

I'd be happy to answer another question if you see other chemical names on the paint's label that you may have questions about.

http://www.paint.org/issues/greenbuilding.cfm

I hope this is helpful to you.


~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Thank you Dr. Parks for your answer to this question. I will follow your suggestions in the future!

Sincerely,


Greenengineer
Helpful - 0

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