latex paint fumes-harmful?

[yamit]

hello ,
does anyone knew what kind of blood test(or else)  i can take to find out if i have some kind of damage in my system for latex paint fumes?
i have been using latex paint for about 11 years now on a daily basic.
i fill as if it did some kind of damage to me, since i have many symptoms that i can't find the reason for other than the paint fumes. (including sever hair loss for 4 years now, memory problems and i'm only 29 years old)
i have done many tests and everything is OK, but i still I'm suffering from many health issues that no doctor can find the reason for.
any suggestions,

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello Yamit,

Thank you for your question and I hope that this answer is of help to you.

First, at this time, there is no "blood test" that will be able to tell you and your doctor if latex paint vapors are related to your symptoms and current health problems.

Second, without knowing more about your symptoms and the circumstances of the paint applications that you are or have been involved with, it is difficult to comment with certainty on whether latex paint vapors have contributed to your current health condition.

In the past, have you (or are you currently) performed demolition of houses that were build before the late 1970's, have you sanded paint in such houses (manual or electric sanding), and have you applied paint containing lead?

If so, I would recommend that you discuss the possibility of lead exposure.

With regard to latex paints, "latex" once referred to a natural extract from plants; however, nowadays, latex paints contain a variety of synthetic resins and various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released as vapors when paint is applied. There are paints that are VOC free.

Common Definition of VOCs: VOC is any organic (carbon-based) compound that evaporates at ambient temperatures.

The reason why VOCs are important is-

At one time, "latex" once referred only to a natural extract from certain plants. The definition is now been expanded to include a wide range of synthetic resins that remain flexible over time and in varying environments. The binder in paint is defined as the film forming vehicle - so called because it binds pigment and any additives present into a solid durable film. The binders commonly used in latex paints are acrylic resins, polyvinyl-acrylics, or a combination of both. Generally, the more acrylic resin a paint has, the higher the quality (and cost).

If you have not been evaluated by a physician who specializes in toxicology (harmful effects of chemicals), you might consider discussing this option with your doctor.

For the meantime, if you are applying paint in a confined space and /or a space that is poorly ventilated, you should strongly consider using a dual cartridge respirator (available at hardware stores, Lowe’s, and Home Depot for around $30.00). Even better, use the cartridge respirator and attempt to maximize the ventilation in the area that you are applying paint.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best in your health.

- Dr. Parks