Home » Inhalation of Oil-Based Paint Primer: The Dangers You Need to Know
Inhalation of Oil-Based Paint Primer: The Dangers You Need to Know

Painting is a popular and rewarding way to spruce up a room or outdoor space, but the fumes from oil-based paint primer can be dangerous.
Some of the paint fumes’ side effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even more severe health problems.
Oil-based paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including known carcinogens like benzene, released into the air as you use them. These VOCs can irritate the respiratory tract when inhaled, leading to coughing and asthma-like symptoms. Read on to understand the risks of using oil-based paint primer and what safety measures you can take to protect yourself.
What Are the Risks of Inhaling Oil-Based Paint Primer?
Oil-based paint primer is a coating used to provide additional protection against potential damage and wear to surfaces. It is typically composed of petroleum-based solvents, resin, pigments, and solids, giving it its glossy finish. While many people prefer the look and durability of oil-based paint primer, the fumes released during its application can be toxic and hazardous to your health.
These include:
1) Respiratory issues. Inhaling the fumes from oil-based paint primer can irritate your respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, or a sore throat. Long-term exposure may result in more severe conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
2) Eye irritation. Fumes released when applying oil-based paint primer can irritate your eyes, leading to redness, stinging, and watering.
3) Skin irritation. Prolonged contact with the fumes from oil-based paint primer can cause dryness, cracking, and other forms of skin irritation.
4) Neurological effects. Long-term exposure to the fumes from oil-based paint primer can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and other neurological symptoms.
What Are Fume Extractors?
Fume extractors are ventilation systems designed to capture and remove potentially harmful vapors, fumes, and particles from the workspace. Here’s how they work:
The extractor is installed in the workspace and creates a negative pressure inside. This negative pressure causes air to be sucked into the room through filters, which trap any harmful airborne particles or fumes. These particles and fumes are then exhausted from the workspace by an exhaust fan, preventing them from entering your lungs.
Some features of a fume extraction system include:
1) HEPA filters: These filters are highly efficient at trapping particles, such as paint primer fumes, and preventing them from entering the workspace.
2) Activated carbon filters: These filters are designed to capture and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be released using oil-based primers or paints.
3) Exhaust fan: The exhaust fan is responsible for expelling the collected fumes and particles from the workspace.
Fume extractors can effectively protect yourself and your employees from potentially dangerous primers, paints, and other products that release hazardous vapors. By capturing these vapors before they enter your lungs, you can reduce your risk of health complications and create a safe working environment.
Call IP Systems to get the best fume extraction system for your business. Our products are designed to be used in any environment and will help protect you from the dangers of oil-based paint primer. With a superior air filtration system, you can be sure that you and your employees are safe from the hazardous effects of breathing in oil-based paint primer fumes. Our fume extraction systems offer high levels of performance and efficiency, so you can be sure that the air quality is always maintained.