Workers in paint manufacturing facilities or those involved in painting jobs of any kind, are exposed to very serious health risks.
Health risks of workers involved with paint manufacturing
The risk is due to some of the components used in paint manufacturing which are extremely hazardous for human health. In particular substances like hexavalent chromium and lead, which can be lethal for workers if inhaled. Chromium is not normally harmful to human health, at least in two of its three types: chromium metal and trivalent chromium. These substances are, in fact, normally present in our body as they are necessary to metabolize sugars properly and are not particularly harmful. On the other hand, hexavalent chromium contains elements of industrial origin (such as thiolate and chromates) and is extremely toxic, in fact, if inhaled, it can cause serious problems to the respiratory system, lung cancer, and various molecular alterations that may become the cause of pathologies such as nasal septal puncture, allergic dermatitis and bronchial asthma.
Lead is equally dangerous even if in a different way. The inhalation of lead or prolonged skin contact with it can cause lead poisoning also known as Saturnism. This disease causes considerable damage to the brain and nervous system, and can lead to serious schizophrenia and mental disorders. The accumulation of lead salts in the body (particularly in the joints) may also cause physical disabilities due to osteoporosis.
PPE for protection against hexavalent chromium and lead
Paint is probably one of the most toxic substances produced at industrial level because it contains elements such as hexavalent chromium and lead which are lethal for human health if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. For this reason, anyone working with paint should take the issue into serious consideration and make use of Personal Protective Equipment bearing the CE mark and conforming to EU regulations.
The PPE most commonly used to limit chemical risk in paint manufacturing plants are powered air purifying respirators with face masks. These are also equipped with a blower unit, battery and particle filters which filter hexavalent chromium and lead from the polluted air which is then conveyed to the inside of the mask. It is important that the mask be comfortable, easy to use and provided with an anti-fogging system to enable the worker to carry out his job easily and without risks.
Since lead and hexavalent chromium are very toxic even for the skin, the face mask alone is not enough to ensure complete body protection. It is, therefore, advisable to wear protective suits, gloves and boots that are resistant to abrasions and tears so as to prevent toxic substances from coming into contact with the skin. Finally, it is also necessary to set aside a place for meals and personal hygiene, because, if ingested, lead and hexavalent chromium, can cause stomach ulcers. Eating in a separate place and showering at the end of the work shift should always be the rule.
Kasco srl produces a range of Respiratory Protective Devices for various uses. The powered respirator with full face mask , blower unit and particle filter, which supplies clean air directly to the mask is the most suitable for workers in the paint manufacturing industry.
Jun 19 2017
Paint Manufacturing: worker risks and personal protection
Health risks of workers involved with paint manufacturing
The risk is due to some of the components used in paint manufacturing which are extremely hazardous for human health. In particular substances like hexavalent chromium and lead, which can be lethal for workers if inhaled. Chromium is not normally harmful to human health, at least in two of its three types: chromium metal and trivalent chromium. These substances are, in fact, normally present in our body as they are necessary to metabolize sugars properly and are not particularly harmful. On the other hand, hexavalent chromium contains elements of industrial origin (such as thiolate and chromates) and is extremely toxic, in fact, if inhaled, it can cause serious problems to the respiratory system, lung cancer, and various molecular alterations that may become the cause of pathologies such as nasal septal puncture, allergic dermatitis and bronchial asthma.
Lead is equally dangerous even if in a different way. The inhalation of lead or prolonged skin contact with it can cause lead poisoning also known as Saturnism. This disease causes considerable damage to the brain and nervous system, and can lead to serious schizophrenia and mental disorders. The accumulation of lead salts in the body (particularly in the joints) may also cause physical disabilities due to osteoporosis.
PPE for protection against hexavalent chromium and lead
Paint is probably one of the most toxic substances produced at industrial level because it contains elements such as hexavalent chromium and lead which are lethal for human health if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. For this reason, anyone working with paint should take the issue into serious consideration and make use of Personal Protective Equipment bearing the CE mark and conforming to EU regulations.
The PPE most commonly used to limit chemical risk in paint manufacturing plants are powered air purifying respirators with face masks. These are also equipped with a blower unit, battery and particle filters which filter hexavalent chromium and lead from the polluted air which is then conveyed to the inside of the mask. It is important that the mask be comfortable, easy to use and provided with an anti-fogging system to enable the worker to carry out his job easily and without risks.
Since lead and hexavalent chromium are very toxic even for the skin, the face mask alone is not enough to ensure complete body protection. It is, therefore, advisable to wear protective suits, gloves and boots that are resistant to abrasions and tears so as to prevent toxic substances from coming into contact with the skin. Finally, it is also necessary to set aside a place for meals and personal hygiene, because, if ingested, lead and hexavalent chromium, can cause stomach ulcers. Eating in a separate place and showering at the end of the work shift should always be the rule.
Kasco srl produces a range of Respiratory Protective Devices for various uses. The powered respirator with full face mask , blower unit and particle filter, which supplies clean air directly to the mask is the most suitable for workers in the paint manufacturing industry.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •