Biological Determination of Emission of Irritants from Paint and Lacquer

Abstract

Initation of the eyes and the upper respiratory tract (sensory irritation) in man due to the emission of vapours and gases from water‐based indoor paints has been estimated from their ability to decrease the respiratory rate in mice (ASTM: E981‐84, slightly modified). An acid‐curing lacquer, known to give rise to sensory irritation during occupational exposure, was used as the positive control. In the bioassay the and‐curing lacquer also gave rise to a pronounced sensory irritation, confirming that the ASTM method was applicable. Furthermore, the emission of formaldehyde, bases and acids was determined. The irritation within the first week was mainly due to the emission of organic solvents, but formaldehyde also played a role. Later the sensory irritation effect was caused mainly by the emission of formaldehyde. This indicates that the method revealed the different emission phases. None of the water‐based paints (3 latex wall paints, 1 silicate paint and 1 distemper) gave rise to a biologically significant irritation effect. Nor did the water‐based products emit formaldehyde or acids. However, varying degrees of emission of ammonia were observed. Taking into account the biological detection limits, no significant degree of sensory irritation can be expected in man 1‐2 weeks after indoor painting with the tested water‐based products.

Asthma and the indoor environment: the significance of emission of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds from newly painted indoor surfaces

“…During indoor painting, 30-400 g/m of formaldehyde has been measured in the breathing zone of house painters [15,28,39]. There is one experimental study available showing that emissions from acid curing paint cause airway irritation on mice [12]. There is also some epidemiological evidence suggesting that low levels of indoor formaldehyde are related to airway symptoms.…”

A Study of Human Reactions to Emissions from Building Materials in Climate Chambers. Part II: VOC Measurements, Mouse Bioassay, and Decipol Evaluation in the 1-2 mg/m3 TVOC Range

“…The system was then disconnected and the tank was ventilated at ambient air temperature (50% rh, air exchange rate 0.5 h-') until the next experiment where the procedure was repeated. For principles and details see Hansen et al (1991). The respective loadings of the tank were V3, 1, 3, and 9 plates of the particle board.…”

Characterization of Linoleum. Part 1: Measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds by use of the Field and Laboratory Emission Cell, "FLEC"

“…Future assessment of the health implications of building materials and products should incorporate: 1) emission characteristics and a mathematical model describing their longterm behavior under standard conditions; in addition, knowledge of emission characteristics as a function of age and maintenance is important; 2) evaluation of the potential health and comfort problems; and 3) criteria for proper selection of materials or ranking according to their impact on IAQ. Less work, however, has been done on assessment of potential healttdcomfort effects, such as mucous membrane irritation and odor annoyance (Wolkoff et al, 1988(Wolkoff et al, , 1991aHansen et al, 1991).…”