Solvent used to dissolve paint
A paint thinner is a solvent used to dilute oil-based paints[1][2] or varnish. In this context, to dilute is also known as to 'thin'. Paint thinners are diluents. Solvents labeled "paint thinner" are usually white or mineral spirits.
Uses
After the paint has lost some of the solvent while in storage due to evaporation, paint can become too thick for use, and so paint thinners can be used to dilute or re-dissolve paint to an appropriate consistency.
They can also be used as in a paint-brush cleaner to remove or clean items that have become caked in dried-on paint.
Common paint thinners
Common solvents historically used as paint thinners include:[3]
Less common solvents used as paint thinner, but still used in the construction industry include:[4]
Hazards and health concerns
Some paint thinners can ignite from just a small spark in relatively low temperatures. These solvents are often known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), with white or mineral spirits having a very low flash point at about 40 °C (104 °F), the same as some popular brands of charcoal starter. All such solvents with low flash points are hazardous and must be labelled as flammable.
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Extensive exposure to the vapours created by paint containing these solvents or its clean-up are hazardous. For safety reasons, the use of substances containing these solvents should always be done in well-ventilated areas, to limit the health consequences and minimise the risk injuries or fatalities.[10]
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has established threshold limit values (TLVs) for most of these compounds.[citation needed] The TLV is defined as the maximum concentration in air which can be breathed by a normal person — i.e. excluding children, pregnant women, etc. — in the course of 40 hours per week, (a typical American work week), day-after-day through their work life without long-term ill effects.
In countries with poor environmental protection regulation, workers commonly experience much higher exposure to these chemicals with consequent damage to their health.[11]
Addiction
Paint thinners are often used as an inhalant, due to its accessibility and legality as a drug. Many teenagers become addicted to thinner and due to lack of knowledge, parents and caregivers do not notice it or give it much attention. By using paint thinner a person could experience hallucinations, sensitive hearing(for the first time) and speech deformation, memory loss etc. [12]
See also
References
