Avoiding Solvent Based Paint Strippers

Stripping paint  is not a new task and has been conducted by thousands of people across the globe. Stripping off the old in order to freshen things up with the new at home or at work is a common job which every decorator is familiar with. Although the concept and method of paint stripping is used on a daily basis there are many people who put themselves in unnecessary danger by using solvent based products.

Being the standard form of paint stripping, solvent based products have been around considerably longer than the newer water based products, so more people are familiar with them. However the materials used for paint stripping can be very dangerous  with either short or long term effects to the user and environment.

Containing a mixture of various toxic chemicals the solvent based paint stripper can cause serious health problems if it is inhaled or comes into contact with skin. Despite having various items of protective clothing the substance can still cause irreparable damage if used over any stretch of time.

Such health issues caused by solvent based paint strippers could range from respiratory problems to skin diseases such as dermatitis. The use of the chemicals could also result in organ failure in addition to some possible burns to the skin on direct contact.

As well as causing health problems solvent based paint strippers are also highly flammable. Solvent based paint strippers generally contain elements such as Methanol, Acetone and Toluene, all of which are highly flammable. Accidents do happen and if one should happen near to the product there could be a very serious incident resulting in many severe injuries. Regardless of whether it was an accident or a child knocking it over on top of something, the paint stripper can be a very dangerous substance to have around the home.

With such dangers possible with these solvent based products it is difficult to see why they are still being sold for home use. Although solvent based paint strippers are not as popular with the health and safety department as they used to be, they are still effective in their purpose. Still an option for decorators, these products can be used to carry out the job. But switching to water based product is a much safer option for all parties concerned.

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