Acute health effects common during graffiti removal

Abstract

Though their average exposure to organic solvents was low, the graffiti removers reported significantly higher prevalence of unspecific symptoms such as fatigue and headache as well as irritative symptoms from the eyes and respiratory tract, compared with the controls. To prevent adverse health effects it is important to inform the workers about the health risks, and to restrict use of the most hazardous chemicals. Furthermore, it is important to develop good working practices and to encourage the use of personal protective equipment.

Evaluation of exposure biomarkers from percutaneous absorption of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone

“…Graffiti removers exposed to mixtures of NMP and glycol ethers reported headaches and irritation to the skin, eyes, and upper airways (8). However, in a study by Åkesson & Paulsson (9), volunteers experimentally exposed to 50 mg/m 3 in an exposure chamber for 8 hours reported no such effects.…”

Levels of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and its metabolites in plasma and urine from volunteers after experimental exposure to NMP in dry and humid air

“…One study reported headache and irritation to the respiratory system and to the eyes after an occupational exposure as low as 3 mg/m 3 (Beaulieu and Schmerber, 1991). Langworth et al (2001) reported headaches and irritation to the skin and eyes and the upper airways among graffiti removers exposed to mixtures of NMP and glycol ethers. However, in another study where volunteers were experimentally exposed to NMP air levels of 50 mg/m 3 , no such effects were reported (Åkesson and Paulsson, 1997).…”

Concentrations of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and its metabolites in plasma and urine following oral administration of NMP to rats

“…E.g., NMP is used in the petrochemical industry, in the microelectronics fabrication industry and in the manufacturing of various compounds such as pigments, cosmetics, drugs and pesticides (International program on Chemical Safety, 2001). It is also used as a graffiti remover (Anundi et al, 1993 andLangworth et al, 2001) and has been investigated as a transdermal enhancer in the pharmaceutical industry (Barry and Bennett, 1987;Priborský et al, 1988).…”