Any family painting project will most likely require the use of paint thinner. If your family is currently unaware, paint thinner has the capability of being a dangerous product due to its toxic makeup. Any individual’s lungs can be compromised by these products if not used or stored correctly. Symptoms include serious damage to the throat and mouth, which results in nausea, vomiting and a much harder time naturally breathing. Prior to any painting project, it’s best to make sure your family is aware of the dangers of paint thinner.
This post will detail a number of the adverse health effects this product can cause in addition to the chemical makeup of these products. For example, consider the combustible nature of these products. On average, these products have a flash point of around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it poses a unique fire hazard for families to deal with. Considering the fact that accidents occur regularly throughout any family project, this can be deadly. Below are a few tips and tricks to help avoid any possible dangers.
Proper Protection: always wear protective gear that leaves no part of the body exposed. Gloves, eye visors and long-sleeved clothes are always recommended for these projects. Most importantly, always avoid any exposure of the paint thinner to your skin.
Air Flow Is Imperative: before beginning any project with paint thinner, identify proper ventilation possibilities. Opening any windows nearby and using external fans are highly recommended. Avoid any exposure to the fumes through consistently circulating air.
Instructions Before Use: prior to first use, read the labels carefully! All paint thinner products will have extensive safety information included within the label. Reading through it all prior to beginning any project is imperative.
Additional Safety Through Storage: After use, ensure containers are sealed tightly and securely. This contributes to the safest ways of storing these products. Ensure these products are kept in cool, dry places away from any source of heat.
These tips serve as an excellent foundation for the safety measures your family should take during your next painting project. For some additional information and safety tips, be sure to review the infographic, Top 7 Paint Thinner Safety Tips, paired alongside this post.
Author bio: Lynn Place is Vice President of Marketing for SolvChem Custom Packaging Division. She has 30 years of professional experience in the manufacturing industry and specializes in consumer packaged goods, new product development and strategic planning.