Paint stripper is made up of a number of solvents. Some of these can evaporate into the air and cause vapor poisoning. One of the main toxic compounds in paint stripper is called methylene chloride. Vapor poisoning from methylene chloride can cause both acute and chronic health problems. As a result, whenever you are doing any project that involves paint stripper, it is important to work in an adequately ventilated area.
Skin and Eye Symptoms
Methylene chloride vapor, when present in high quantities in the air, can cause irritation and burning of the skin and eyes. Over time, methylene chloride vapor may be able to cause chemical burns.
Cardiovascular
In the body, methylene chloride is turned into carbon monoxide. Consequently, some of the symptoms of methylene chloride vapor poisoning match those of carbon monoxide exposure. These elevated carbon monoxide levels cause oxygen to come out of the blood, which means that there is less oxygen available for tissues in the body, including the heart. Consequently, vapor poisoning from paint stripper can cause a heart attack.
Mental Symptoms
Vapor poisoning from exposure to paint stripper can also cause problems with the central nervous system. Central nervous system symptoms include dizziness, nausea and a feeling that your head is full. Paint stripper inhalation can also cause tingling or numbness in the extremities, a feeling of heat, stupor, lethargy and drunkenness. Severe vapor poisoning can cause rapid unconsciousness, coma and eventual death.
Liver Disease and Cancer
Long term exposure to methylene chloride can lead to liver damage. This damage may be asymptomatic or may cause symptoms ranging from mild nausea and loss of appetite to jaundice and liver failure. Methylene chloride vapors may also be a carcinogen, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
