Hey guys I could use some advice. Ive thought about getting back in to painting cars but not sure.
One of the guys at work is a retired auto body guy. He asked me why i got out of painting cars and i told him cos i was worried the paint fumes would make me sick . He said that if i use the proper equitment it will keep me safe from paint. Is that true?
Yes. You can buy oxygen supplies now so it virtually eliminates the fumes. The problem is that you can't carry that setup around, so when you leave the shop and then come back to check on it you will still be breathing fumes unless you wear a respirator. So yes you can avoid the fumes but you need to be diligent about wearing the protective equipment.
FWIW, I used to do a ton of painting, and now I have MS. I don't know that it's related, but there is definitely an environmental component to MS, so I have to wonder. Just be careful (I wasn't)and you should be okay.
I'm retired from restoration work. I have neurological problems that are undoubtedly, at least in part, due to prolonged chemical exposure. I think it may be possible to do the work safely but I think it requires a quality downdraft paint booth. Like the previous poster said, you should also use a fresh air supply system. You should cover all of your body, even hands.
What finally pushed me over the edge was fiberglass resin and acetone. I started having debilitating migraines followed by a host of other symptoms.
I personally know people who were hospitalized from exposure to the multipart products that became available in the 70s. I also heard of painters who suddenly died from overexposure.
You're wise to find out everything you can about how to protect yourself.
The dust can also have long term effects - my brother in law used to own a body shop, but developed asthma from all the sanding dust and had to get out of it.
Thanks guys for the info ill just stick with merchindising and marketing that im in now its not hazzard to my health lol and auto crossing ofcourse but saddly i cant make a living at that lol
silverbrick27 wrote: and auto crossing ofcourse but saddly i cant make a living at that lol
If only there was a way...
I was going to go into autobody repair. Then I toured the school. Those fumes about knocked me over. I knew i wouldnt wear the proper equipment religiously so I decided to go into wrenching.
Fast forward a few decades and every pro body man I know is....well....a bit "off".
If you don't use urethanes, which contain isocyanates, cartridge filter respirators used religiously can really help. But I've done more than the typical amateur and it definitely isn't good for you.
Isocyanate bearing materials require supplied-air respirators.
My father did bodywork and paint for 25 years. He used respirators most of the time. But like he said that crap can still enter your body through your eyes. He also was a career welder for 30 years until his eyesight couldn't handle welding anymore. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's 3 years ago. He just turned 70 and is doing ok considering. He thinks it was inhaling welding fumes for decades that really contributed to his health issues.
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