Water-borne coatings are generally safer to use than solvent-based coatings, but personal protection must be remembered when using them.
The safety advantage of water-borne coatings is largely a result of the lower VOC content. Most of the solvents have been replaced by water. In addition to solvents, other raw materials used in water-borne coatings are generally less harmful to health than the raw materials of solvent-based coatings.
However, epoxy and polyurethane coatings should be considered among water-borne products. Although the binders are water-borne, they still contain the same epoxies, amine compounds and isocyanates as solvent-based coatings. In these groups of raw materials, the harmful effects on health are therefore the same.
It is also dangerous for water-borne coating compounds to enter the respiratory tract, so a respiratory protection must be worn during spraying. During the drying process, the exposure is lower, because mainly only water evaporates from the water-borne product.
PERSONAL PROTECTION WHEN SPRAYING WATER-BORNE COATINGS
Respiratory protection: If ventilation is insufficient, half- or full mask with gas filter A, and when grinding P-type dust filter must be used. Mask with combined filter (gas & dust) AP or ABP depending on the paint type must be used when spraying. In the continuous long-term work it is recommended to use motored air protector or separative protector (fresh air hood or compressed air hood or such).
Hand protection: When choosing a protective glove material, penetration times, rates of diffusion and the degradation must be considered. Material of gloves: Wear suitable gloves tested to EN374. May be used, gloves (breakthrough time) 4-8 hours: butyl rubber, nitrile rubber.
Eye/face protection: Tightly sealed goggles. The eye flushing device should be located near the the paint work area.
Body protection: Protective work clothing