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Is enamel paint toxic?

We all know that paint fumes shouldn't be inhaled and that the best practice when using paint is to wear a face mask, but how bad could it really be if you chance it every now and then to squeeze in that modelling job that needs ticking off the to-do list?
Unfortunately, the answer is really bad! We have all done it in the past and the chances are that you were alright afterwards, but that is no guarantee that next time you will be so lucky.
Enamel paints particularly contain lots of nasty ingredients that can have a toxic effect on the brain and nerve tissues, these are known as neurotoxins. Should you come into contact with neurotoxins then you could become dizzy, get a headache or suffer coordination problems. And that's if you are fortunate, the worst-case scenarios are brain damage, paralysis and even death.
Ingredients to look out for include benzene, xylenes, toluene, ethylbenzene, white spirits and acetone. Reading the ingredients is by no means a guarantee either as many of these chemicals can be present under a different name.
Some enamel paints made in Asia or Africa could even still contain lead (just because they shouldn't be available in this country, doesn't mean they aren't) so caution needs to be taken when using enamel paint.
You can, however, use enamel paint safely by adopting a few safety procedures such as always working in a well-ventilated area or wearing a respirator mask (paper masks do not prevent solvent fumes from entering your airway) especially when using spray paint, airbrushes or when sanding.
Enamel paints provide us with great effects when applied to models so it would be a shame to stop using them, but please stay safe and don't take risks!
Posted in: Painting, Best practices

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