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Paints have to be a weather-proof, physically stable and long-lived material that are also resistant to biological, physical and chemical effects. In the past this has resulted in toxic long-lived chemicals being used in paint formulations. This particularly more so with specialist paints used in marine and defence applications, or in rare formulations that may be used in industrial buildings and on industrial and scientific equipment.

Toxic heavy metals and materials such as asbestos, PCBs and DDT have at one time been used in various paint formulations. Lead is well known as a toxic metal that may be found in paint. But other toxic metals used in the past should be considered as well:

• Chromium;
• Cadmium;
• Mercury;
• Tin;
• Arsenic and
• Radium.

As paint ages it can chip or crumble into dust. Exposure to paint dust or chips containing toxic metals can cause serious health effects. Notably foetuses, infants and children are more vulnerable to exposure than adults because the toxic metal is more easily absorbed into growing bodies and children’s systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects.

Potential sources of exposure include older buildings, structures and items. For instance paint before 1950 contained as much as 50% lead. Some homes built between 1960s and 1970s may also contain lead. With other toxic metals they may have been used in paints up until the 1990s or are still used.

You should not only consider sources within your own building but also potential contamination from the surrounding environment. Exterior paint flaking from a nearby old building or structure can contaminant the soil on your property.

If you are undertaking demolition or renovation work of your building or structure then some consideration should be given to the hazard of toxic metals in the paint. The best way to assess for potential contamination is to hire a trained professional to undertake testing and provide a risk assessment. A range of methods can be used to check for toxic metal in paint. These include:

• Visual inspection of paint condition and location;
• Laboratory tests of paint samples and
• Surface dust tests.

If you have toxic metals in the paint of your building or structure:

• First, leave it alone if it is in good condition. Paint in good condition is usually not a problem except in places where painted surfaces rub against each other and create dust.
• Do not remove paint yourself. Individuals have been poisoned by scraping or sanding toxic paint because these activities generated large amounts of hazardous dust.

• If you have items where toxic-based paint is a problem, you have several options:

• Replace the painted item. You can replace a door or other easily removed item if you can do it without creating dust. Items that are difficult to remove should be replaced by professionals who will control and contain the dust.

• Cover or encapsulate the toxic-based paint. This may be an option when removal of the paint could create a larger environmental problem For instance a bridge near a body of water.

• Remove the toxic-based paint by qualified contractors.

CETEC can provide a risk management service to ensure the risk of exposure to toxic paint is minimised. Contact us here.