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Occupational Health & Safety (Expert Forum)
Toxicity of Ethylene Glycol in Latex Paints
Answered by
Philip Parks, MD - Occupational Safety, Occupational Health, Travel Medicine, Environmental Health
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston - MA
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Toxicity of Ethylene Glycol in Latex Paints
by greenengineer, Apr 15, 2008 10:17PM
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
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
Doctor's Answer
by Philip Parks, MD, Apr 18, 2008 06:17PM
, Apr 18, 2008 06:17PM
To: greenengineer
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.
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.
Sincerely,
Greenengineer