Reduced exposure to organic solvents by use of water-based paint systems in car repair shops

Objective The objective of this study was to determine to what extent the substitution of solvent-based paint by water-based paint has reduced potential exposure to organic solvents for spray painters in car repair shops.Methods Full-shift personal air sampling (n=79) was carried out over 3 consecutive days in eight car repair shops. Blood samples on the Monday morning (n=26) and at the end of the shift on the Wednesday (n=26), were analysed for organic solvents by headspace techniques.Results Toluene was the organic solvent detected at the highest geometric mean concentration in air samples when solvent-based paint systems were used (0.8 ppm), whereas xylene was found at the highest level when water-based systems were used (0.25 ppm). Toluene, isopropanol, acetone and butyl acetate were detected at higher concentrations when solvent-based paint was used than when water-based paint was employed. The additive factor, based on Norwegian limit values, was three-times higher for the painters using solvent-based paint (0.15) than for those using water-based paint (0.05). On Wednesday after shift the geometric mean of toluene in blood was significantly higher for the painters using solvent-based paint (0.044 g/ml) than for the painters using water-based paint (0.007 g/ml). There was a significant correlation between toluene in personal air samples and toluene in blood samples taken at the end of the shift on the same day.Conclusions When solvent-based paint systems were used the additive factor for organic solvent exposure was three-times higher than when water-based systems were employed. The exposure levels of the organic solvents were well below the Norwegian limit values. The significant correlation between the toluene concentration in air and blood samples indicated that the uptake of organic solvents was correspondingly reduced. At the levels of organic solvents presently described the risk of acute and chronic health effects caused by organic solvents is low.     

Development of solvent exposure index for construction painters

This article describes methodological approaches for reconstructing long-term occupational exposure to organic solvents among construction painters. A detailed exposure questionnaire was administered to 125 painters to develop a job exposure matrix (JEM). The questionnaire inquired about painting activities with solvent-based paints and use of protection equipment for the previous 25 years in 5-year intervals. Current and historical distributions of solvent air concentrations were assessed for the same time period based on the following information: industrial hygiene measurements, paint composition changes, and VOC emission rate changes from architectural and industrial maintenance coatings. Changes in protection factors of respirators were also assessed. A cumulative solvent exposure index was calculated for each painter through Monte Carlo simulations by combining appropriate input distributions of solvent air concentrations and protection factors of respirators with JEM. Sensitivity simulations revealed that the historical variations in solvent air concentrations had a higher impact on the cumulative solvent exposure index than changes in protection factors for respirators. Fifty-eight percent of painters were classified with a different exposure quartile when the solvent exposure index was used vs. an exposure based only on years using solvent-based paints, suggesting the need for more detailed exposure analysis than just years working when conducting epidemiologic studies for this worker population.     

Occupational exposure to water based paint and symptoms from the skin and eyes.

Water based paints contain organic solvents and many additives, such as biocides, surfactants, pigments, binders, amines, and monomers. The chemical complexity may introduce new potential health hazards to house painters, in particular irritative and allergic disorders. This study was performed to compare how house painters experience work with water based paints or solvent based paints, and to evaluate whether exposure to water based paints increases mucous membrane and dermal symptoms among house painters. 255 male house painters aged 20 to 65 were invited to participate in the study. Controls were two industrial populations, in total 302 men, without exposure to water based paints. Self administered questionnaires were used to assess the painter's experiences of working with different types of paints and the occurrence of symptoms in the exposed and unexposed groups. Hygiene measurements were performed during normal working days when only water based paints and no solvent based paints were used. The painters were exposed to low concentrations of dust, metals, ammonia, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds. The work environment was considered better when working with water based paints than with solvent based paints. There were more complaints of frequent urination when working with water based paint. Taste or olfactory disturbances were less common. General as well as work related eye and skin irritation was more common among the exposed workers. For other symptoms no significant differences were found. The study indicates that the introduction of water based paints has improved the work environment for house painters. Water based paints cause less discomfort and airway irritation than the earlier solvent based paints. Adverse general health effects seem low. Some of the painters may have dermal symptoms caused by the components in water based paints.     

Occupational exposure to water-based paints and self-reported asthma,lower airway symptoms,bronchial hyperresponsiveness,and lung function

The associations between occupational exposure to water-based paints and the prevalence of self-reported asthma, other lower airway symptoms, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), and lung function were studied in house painters. Symptom prevalences were obtained from a self-administered questionnaire sent to 415 male painters during 1989–1992. Clinical investigations were carried out in three selected groups: 23 painters with asthmatic symptoms, nine painters with other lower airway symptoms, and 12 painters without airway symptoms. The clinical studies included lung function test, methacholine provocation test, and occurrence of atopy, confirmed by skin prick test to common allergens. In addition, a group of 18 young male painters with no occupational exposure to solvent-based paints were followed with dynamic spirometry before and after a workshift, when only water-based paints were used. The prevalence of self-reported asthma (7%) was somewhat, but not statistically, increased compared to an industrial population without exposure to water-based paints or other airway irritants. A decrease in FEV₁ and FVC during the workday was observed in the young painters. In the clinical studies the painters exhibited increased BHR compared to the referents and a decreased FEV₁. The number of years working as a painter was related to a decrease in FEV₁, which was most pronounced in subjects with atopy who also reported lower airway symptoms in relation to the degree of work with water-based paints, but not to the degree of use of solvent-based paints. Our results indicate that house painters have an increased risk of airway problems. A contributory cause could be exposure to volatile organic compounds or other volatile compounds emitted from water-based paints. It is also concluded that painters with atopy should be informed about the increased risk of airway illness. This would be an important task for occupational health services in their aim of preventing the adverse effects of occupational exposures.     

Adverse reproductive outcomes among male painters with occupational exposure to organic solvents

Objectives

To assess the risks of reproductive disorders and birth defects in offspring of male painters with exposure to organic solvents, and to determine the shape of the dose‐response relationship.

Methods

Random samples of painters and carpenters were drawn from workers affiliated with the Dutch Trade Union for Construction Workers, the Netherlands, 2001. Information on reproductive outcomes, occupational exposures, and lifestyle habits was retrospectively obtained through self‐administered questionnaires filled in by 398 painters exposed to organic solvents in paints, thinners, and cleansers in the period of three months before the last pregnancy, and 302 carpenters with little or no exposure to solvents. A statistical model was used to estimate quantitative exposure measures.

Results

Workers employed as painters at three months before pregnancy had an increased risk (odds ratio 6.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 27.9) of congenital malformations in offspring compared to carpenters. There was a positive exposure‐response trend with increasing exposure to organic solvents based on quantitative model predicted exposure estimates using toluene as a marker. There was some indication of an increased risk of functional developmental disorders in offspring among painters with intermediate and high model predicted exposure. The risk of low birth weight children seemed to be slightly increased among painters as well. Results for other reproductive outcomes (time to pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and preterm birth) did not show increased risks.

Conclusion

This study showed a positive association between paternal occupational exposure to organic solvents and congenital malformations in offspring. However, the small numbers of cases, especially when examining different exposure levels, as well as the self‐reported nature of exposure and outcome variables, may hamper interpretation of the results.     

Ocular symptoms, tear film stability, nasal patency, and biomarkers in nasal lavage in indoor painters in relation to emissions from water-based paint

Purpose  

Despite the decreased use of solvent-based paint (SBP) and increased use of water-based paints (WBP) with possible risk for microbial growth, few health studies are available. The aim was to study the symptoms and ocular and nasal biomarkers in house painters in relation to paint use and personal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) and microbial VOC (MVOC) during indoor painting with WBP.     

Airway symptoms among house painters in relation to exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCS)—a longitudinal study

The increased use of water-based paint (WBP) for indoor application during the last decade has drastically changed the exposure conditions for Swedish house painters. WBP has a lower emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than solvent-based paint (SBP), but contains more reactive compounds, such as biocides, glycol ethers, and other high molecular solvents. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of airway symptoms and self-reported asthma in house painters with a different degree of use of WBP and SBP. The incidence of seven general airway symptoms, and three work-related symptoms, was analysed by means of a self-administered questionnaire, in a cohort of 207 house painters followed from 1989 to 1992. Different airway symptoms were compared with clinical information obtained by a methacholine challenge test and dynamic spirometry in a selected subgroup of 44 painters. Information on the degree of use of SBP and WBP was used to estimate the total exposure to volatile organic compounds (TVOC) for each individual. In total, 175 men in the cohort worked as painters during the study period. No increase of asthma or respiratory symptoms was observed among those 50 painters with a pure exposure to WBP (estimated TVOC 1–3mgm⁻³). Most painters (N = 125) had a mixed exposure to SBP and WBP, the main source of the TVOC being the limited use of SBP. WBP was perceived as less irritative than SBP, but complaints on airway irritation from WBP increased during the study period. The most pronounced increase of airway irritation in relation to both SBP and WBP, was observed among those 35 painters with the highest solvent exposure (estimated TVOC 100–380 mgm⁻³). An increase of respiratory symptom index and shortness of breath, in relation to estimated TVOC exposure was also observed. Selection effects were detected. Painters leaving their job during the study period had more non-specific hyper-reactivity symptoms, and more airway irritation from WBP-as compared to painters remaining at their occupation. Our study indicates that VOC emissions from SBPs may contribute to the development of respiratory symptoms and airway irritation. We found no increase of respiratory symptoms among painters exposed only to WBPs. There were, however, indications that VOC exposure from WBPs may cause airway irritation in some subjects. Because of selection effects, cross-sectional studies on respiratory symptoms in relation to occupational exposure to paint emissions may be inconclusive.     

Airways symptoms, immunological response and exposure in powder painting

Objectives: Powder painting is an alternative to solvent-based spray painting. Powder paints may contain organic acid anhydrides (OAAs), which are irritants to the airways and may cause sensitisation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and immunological response among powder painters and to describe the exposure to OAAs. Methods: In all, 205 subjects in 32 enterprises participated: 93 exposed and 26 formerly exposed workers in 25 powder paint shops and 86 unexposed workers. They completed a questionnaire about working conditions and symptoms and took part in a medical examination, which included a lung function test. Urine samples, for determination of two OAAs, and blood samples, for analysis of specific antibodies against the OAAs, were taken. In addition, 33 paint samples were analysed for nine OAAs. Results: The powder painters reported more work-related respiratory symptoms than unexposed subjects did. The prevalence of three or more symptoms was 24% in subjects with low exposure, 44% in highly exposed individuals, 46% in formerly exposed subjects and 19% in unexposed workers. Asthma symptoms were frequent, 7%, 40%, 15% and 2%, respectively. Regression analyses of the lung volumes did not show any influence of exposure. IgG, but not IgE, against the OAAs and metabolites of OAAs was found in some subjects, but no associations with the exposure could be observed. OAAs were found in only small amounts in the paint samples. Conclusions: The exposure to organic acid anhydrides was estimated to be low, and yet, IgG antibodies to OAA were observed in some subjects. The prevalence of work-related symptoms from the eyes and the airways was relatively high among the powder painters, and these symptoms, but not the lung volumes, were clearly related to exposure. The symptoms were probably caused by irritative properties of the powder paint dust.     

Neurobehavioural effects of repeated occupational exposure to toluene and paint solvents.

In studies of two workforces 44 men exposed to paint solvents and 52 men working with toluene were compared with age matched comparison groups of non-exposed workers. Scores on a series of performance tests were examined, the solvent exposed in each study functioning less well than their comparison group. The apparent deficit among the paint exposed workers was substantial, but this was reduced after allowance for estimated intellectual capacity. No deficit was apparent on rematching with a second comparison group of more appropriate measured capacity. No evidence was found of impaired nerve conduction in the ulnar or median nerves, and few clinical signs of neurological damage were apparent. Nevertheless, in an associated inquiry of neuropsychological symptoms among 236 painters and 128 non-exposed workers a highly significant excess of symptoms was found among those exposed to paint solvents.     

Neurobehavioural effects of repeated occupational exposure to toluene and paint solvents

In studies of two workforces 44 men exposed to paint solvents and 52 men working with toluene were compared with age matched comparison groups of non-exposed workers. Scores on a series of performance tests were examined, the solvent exposed in each study functioning less well than their comparison group. The apparent deficit among the paint exposed workers was substantial, but this was reduced after allowance for estimated intellectual capacity. No deficit was apparent on rematching with a second comparison group of more appropriate measured capacity. No evidence was found of impaired nerve conduction in the ulnar or median nerves, and few clinical signs of neurological damage were apparent. Nevertheless, in an associated inquiry of neuropsychological symptoms among 236 painters and 128 non-exposed workers a highly significant excess of symptoms was found among those exposed to paint solvents.     

Toxicokinetics of toluene in occupationally exposed volunteers

The influence on the kinetics of toluene from long-term occupational exposure, cigarette smoking, and ethanol consumption was studied in 26 male spray painters. A group of spray painters with reported subjective symptoms such as concentration deficits, fatigue, and dizziness due to the solvent exposure did not differ in the uptake and disposition of toluene from a group of spray painters with no symptoms. In occupationally exposed workers, a tendency for an enhanced clearance of toluene from the blood was observed in relation to personal habits such as smoking and/or moderate chronic ethanol intake. Long-term occupational exposure to a mixture of organic solvents does not exert any effect on the metabolic rate of toluene as compared with that of an unexposed group.     

Normal serum activities of liver enzymes in Swedish paint industry workers with heavy exposure to organic solvents.

The serum activities of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, ornithine carbamyl transferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase were examined in 47 paint industry workers and unexposed age matched referents. The workers were exposed to a mixture of industrial solvents, of which xylene was the main component in most cases. The median total exposure was about 50% of Swedish 1981 threshold limit values according to measurements of individual solvent exposure performed at the same time. No differences in enzyme activities were shown either when the whole exposed and referent groups were compared or when the five workers with outstanding solvent exposures of five times the TLV or more were compared with their referents. It is concluded that in most workers the liver seems to remain largely undamaged from inhalation exposure to a commonly used mixture of non-chlorinated solvents. In many workers this seems to hold true even for high exposures for limited periods.     

Normal serum activities of liver enzymes in Swedish paint industry workers with heavy exposure to organic solvents

The serum activities of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, ornithine carbamyl transferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase were examined in 47 paint industry workers and unexposed age matched referents. The workers were exposed to a mixture of industrial solvents, of which xylene was the main component in most cases. The median total exposure was about 50% of Swedish 1981 threshold limit values according to measurements of individual solvent exposure performed at the same time. No differences in enzyme activities were shown either when the whole exposed and referent groups were compared or when the five workers with outstanding solvent exposures of five times the TLV or more were compared with their referents. It is concluded that in most workers the liver seems to remain largely undamaged from inhalation exposure to a commonly used mixture of non-chlorinated solvents. In many workers this seems to hold true even for high exposures for limited periods.     

Neurotoxicity of solvent mixtures in spray painters

A multidisciplinary cross-sectional study was carried out in 105 spray painters with long-term solvent exposure (10-44 years) and in 58 control subjects not exposed to solvents. By means of air monitoring the solvent concentrations in the ambient air during spray painting were determined using charcoal and silicagel tubes with pumps and passive samplers. In general, the air concentrations of the individual compounds did not exceed the current limit values (MAK values). Aromatic hydrocarbons like toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, trimethylbenzene, aliphatic hydrocarbons (e.g., heptane) and acetates (ethylacetate, butylacetate) were determined to be important components of paint solvents. However, in unfavorable work conditions the "exposure index" could exceed the permissible limits two or three times. To assess the body solvent load at the time of examination, biological monitoring (BM) was performed. The main finding was that there was no evidence of neurotoxicologically relevant solvent exposure. Only in the case of methyl hippuric acid in urine spot samples did the spray painters show a higher mean value (80 mg/l) than control subjects (below 20 mg/l), indicating recent xylene exposure. Elevated urinary chromium concentrations (maximum value 29 micrograms/l) were found in 28 spray painters as a result of using zinc chromate-containing wash primers without taking protective measures. To assess the degree of past solvent exposure a special questionnaire was used. This included variables like duration and amount of solvent exposure, the presence of a technical ventilation system, health complaints during painting, etc. Additionally, three "solvent exposure indices' (SEI) were calculated and used for evaluation of "dose-effect relationships.'(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

An experimental study to investigate the feasibility to classify paints according to neurotoxicological risks: occupational air requirement (OAR) and indoor use of alkyd paints

The concept of occupational air requirement (OAR), representing the quantity of air required to dilute the vapor concentration in the work environment resulting from 1 l product to a concentration below the occupational exposure limit (OEL), was considered to have potential to discriminate between paints that can and cannot be used safely. The OAR is a simple algorithm with the concentration of volatile organic compound (VOC) in the paint, a discrete evaporation factor and the neurotoxicological effects-based OEL. Conceptually, OAR categories of paints for construction and maintenance applications could be identified that can be applied manually without exceeding OELs with no appreciable room ventilation. Five painters volunteered in an exposure study aimed at testing the OAR approach in practice. Total exposure to VOC was assessed in 30 experiments during the application of 0.5 l of paint in a defined 'standard indoor paint job'. Fifteen paints were prepared, reflecting differences in solvents (percentage, volatility, toxicity) with a range of OAR levels from 43 to 819 m(3)/l. Exposure was assessed by personal air sampling (PAS). In addition, real-time air monitoring was performed. All tests were conducted at minimum ventilation rate (< or=0.33 h(-1)). PAS results were expressed as percentage of the nominal OEL and ranged from 8 to 93% for high solids and from 38 to 168% for conventional paints. In general, higher VOC contents resulted in higher exposure. High volatile paints showed a statistically significant faster increase of VOC concentration with time compared with paints containing low volatile solvents. A significant relationship between OAR value and exposure was observed (R(2) = 0.73). The experiments indicate that OAR-based classification of paints predicts and discriminates risk levels for exposure to neurotoxic paint-solvents in indoor painting fairly well.     

Effects of occupational solvent exposure on reproductive hormone concentrations and fecundability in men

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effects of organic solvents on male reproductive health. To assess fertility and reproductive endocrine function in solvent-exposed men, we investigated time-to-pregnancy using a retrospective cohort design and cross-sectionally measured reproductive hormone concentrations in painters and millwrights compared to a reference group of carpenters. METHODS: Detailed occupational, exposure, medical, and time-to-pregnancy histories were obtained by telephone interview. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone concentrations were determined by immunoassay. Exposure indices, which summarized working life exposure to total solvents, chlorinated solvents, aromatic solvents, and thinners, degreasers, varnishes, and adhesives as a category were calculated from exposure histories. RESULTS: FSH concentrations increased significantly with increasing exposure indices for all solvents and for chlorinated solvents. There were no significant associations of solvent exposure indices with LH or testosterone levels. LH, FSH, and testosterone concentrations also did not differ by job title. Using Cox regression, time-to-pregnancy was non-significantly longer in the painters and millwrights than the carpenters. There was no significant association between time-to-pregnancy and any of the solvent exposure indices; however, it should be noted that some of the pregnancies occurred more than 20 years previously, potentially reducing the reliability of the retrospectively collected pregnancy and exposure data. CONCLUSIONS: The significant associations between FSH levels and solvent exposure indices suggest the potential for adverse effects of solvent exposures on reproductive function in men.     

Transport of a Solvent Mixture Across Two Glove Materials When Applied in a Paint Matrix

The transport of mixed paint solvents through natural rubber latex (4 mil) and nitrile rubber (5 mil) gloves was evaluated after spray application of the paint formulation directly on the glove surface. Glove materials and thicknesses were those selected by the majority of spray painters in the local automobile repair industry. A flat panel containing glove specimens mounted in multiple permeation cells permitted evaporation of solvents from the applied paint and incorporated a solid sorbent receiving medium for measuring glove membrane transport. The panel was sprayed in a paint booth to simulate use conditions. Charcoal cloth under the glove adsorbed transported solvents, which were quantified by gas chromatography. For each solvent component, results were expressed as mass transported through the glove relative to the mass applied, per unit area, during 30 min after spray application. The paint formulation contained ketones, acetates, and aromatics. Natural rubber latex allowed 6-10 times the transport of solvents relative to nitrile rubber for all eight solvent components: methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, styrene, ethyl benzene, xylene isomers, and 2-heptanone. m-Xylene showed the largest difference in transport between the two glove materials. This solvent also had the highest transport for each material. The results indicate that nitrile rubber gloves offer somewhat greater chemical resistance to all eight solvents studied compared with natural rubber latex gloves, regardless of the chemical properties of the individual solvent components. However, it must be emphasized that neither of the glove materials, in the thicknesses used in this study, provide adequate protection when exposed by direct spray painting. Simulation of realistic spray conditions may offer a source of useful information on the performance of chemical protective gloves because it accounts for solvent evaporation and the effect of paint polymerization after application on glove transport.     

Pilot study on prevalence of color vision dysfunction in long-term solvent-exposed painters

Main purpose of our study was to examine whether painters with long-term exposure to mixtures of organic solvents show slight dysfunctions in color vision ability. The study population consisted of 140 men with chronic exposure to organic solvents from paint and thinners (mean duration of exposure: 26 years). We used the Lanthony Desaturated Panel-D-15 (LDP-D15) to test color vision and calculated the color confusion index (CCI). The results were compared with reference values taken from the literature. Additionally the questionnaire Q18 for solvent related neurotoxic symptoms was applied and its results compared with the CCI. Painters between 25 to 55 years old had higher median CCI values than the respective age group of the references. No statistical significant association between CCI and the actual or chronic solvent exposure was found. The results of the Q18 did also not correlate significantly with the exposure indices. We recommend further studies to explore if the color confusion index is an appropriate indicator of early neurotoxic effects in painters.     

Sister chromatid exchange in painters recently exposed to solvents

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that exposure to solvent-based materials in the painting trades is associated with an increased cancer risk. In order to determine if the solvent exposures of current union members of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Tradesman (IBPAT) are associated with a genotoxic risk, we have measured the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency in their peripheral blood lymphocytes. Previous reports have shown that chronic solvent exposure of these workers does not elevate SCE frequencies. We now report that acute exposure, estimated by the number of days worked over the month prior to venipuncture, is associated with elevated SCE levels in currently smoking workers. No elevation in SCE was associated with similar recent exposure in nonsmoking, solvent-exposed painters.