Summer Painting Projects Could Expose Building Occupants to VOCs

Painting projects in a home, multi-tenant complex, school or business can create health concerns for not only professional painters and DIY enthusiasts, but also anyone exposed to paint odors and fumes.  Paints contain various chemicals, including many that have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that easily evaporate into the surrounding air.

Exposure to paint fumes can cause a variety of health concerns for building occupants. These can vary greatly and as with any chemical exposure, the likelihood of a reaction and the extent and type of health effects will depend on many factors. These may include the amount of chemicals in the air, the length of time a person is exposed, and a person’s age, pre-existing medical conditions and individual susceptibility. Eye and throat or lung irritation, headaches, dizziness and vision problems are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to paint fumes.

One of the leading VOC and air testing laboratories in North America is EMSL Analytical, Inc. The laboratory provides analytical services and sampling supplies to environmental professionals, government agencies and the general public.

“It is not uncommon for building occupants to have complaints and concerns when spending time in an indoor area that has recently been painted,” said Vincent M. Daliessio, CIH, Project Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposure to elevated levels of VOCs and other chemical compounds are a concern for everyone, especially children and those who have respiratory issues.  EMSL provides VOC and indoor air quality testing services that allow people to identify the presence and concentrations of these chemicals in their homes, schools and where they work.”

To help educate people about paint fumes and tips to minimize exposure to VOCs and other chemical compounds, EMSL has sponsored an online video that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv_7M8blU1s.
 
For more information about testing for VOCs and other indoor air quality (IAQ) services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals, industry and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail