Posted By Peter Haughey Good Afternoon gentlemen, can anybody suggest what I can advise my client to do about the fact that his tradesmen were exposed to paint fumes and mist by another contractor? The COSHH Assessments (for eggshell emulsion and acrylic paint) seem to suggest that the exposure is relatively harmless, but obviously the men have been exposed, so "may" have suffered some harm. My client is asking what he should say to the Principal Contractor and/or the decorating company. I would appreciate any constructive comments...

Posted By Chris Packham Peter Water based paints usually contain a "preservative" to prevent bacterial spoilage. Another name for the preservative would be biocide. These are almost always sensitisers, capable of causing both respiratory and skin reactions. Such reactions (allergic) have been reported, but generally only in enclosed spaces, e.g. when rooms have been decorated and where ventilation has been insufficient. In an open space there would be only an insignificant risk. However, some of the preservatives are isothiazolinones and at least one study has shown that release of these from a painted surface can occur for some time, e.g. as much as 10 days (or more) after application of the paint. So where enclosed spaces are concerned, adequate ventilation is needed. Without knowing more about the actual circumstances it is difficult to be more precise, but if you wish to contact me direct please feel free to do so. Chris

Posted By Bob Youel Further to looking at this area in the past the resulting harm to the guys is much less than the harm belted out of a car's catalytic converter in the company car park - to equal exposure the guys must be very very heavily exposed to such paint in mist form