Biological Determination of Emission of Irritants from Paint and Lacquer

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.