Hazard information for paints and coatings

April 4, 1995

Ms. Debra Horn
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Ms. Horn:

This is in response to your letter of January 26, requesting information or literature regarding the health effects of prolonged exposure to paint related materials.

There are many different formulas for paints, industrial coatings, primers, sealers, etc., and consequently, there are many different chemicals used to produce them. Therefore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Technical Data Center (TDC), did a wide ranging search for any technical literature that may associate brain, nerve, or kidney damage with exposures occurring during painting operations. We have enclosed the abstracts of the literature the TDC located.

Also, please be aware that the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200 (copy enclosed), requires the manufacturer OR importer of a hazardous paint to conduct a hazard determination and to prepare a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the paint and to provide the MSDS to employers who use the paint. If your husband or his employer(s) know the identities of paints that were used, the MSDSs for them may be helpful to you.

We hope you find the information helpful. Should you require additional information, please contact the OSHA TDC at (202) 219-7500.

Sincerely,
Ruth McCully, Director
Office of Health Compliance Assistance
Enclosures

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]