Are Acrylic Paints Harmful to Health? – We Test Artist Paints in the air-Q Lab
Acrylic paints are, strictly speaking, plastics and off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while drying. In our experiment, we investigate whether artist paints are toxic and how they change room air. You'll find our results and a short test video here.
To keep the especially bright and vividly colored acrylic paint liquid and easy to work with — for example, to dry quickly — certain compounds are used. To make artist paint, manufacturers mix color pigments, binders (acrylic binder), thinner (usually water), as well as various additives. All these substances can, but don't necessarily have to, be present in the paints. In individual cases, you'll find information about the paint's composition on the product sheets.
How dangerous are the VOCs in acrylic paint for the airways?
With some paints, unpleasant-seeming smells indicate elevated off-gassing. But the mere absence of such a smell doesn't necessarily mean the acrylic paint releases no VOCs. It's less the acrylic itself that's toxic, and more the pigments and formaldehydes dissolved in the paint. The term VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) covers many different substances. You'll find more information and limit values in our blog article about VOCs as well as our wiki about VOCs.
Health effects of VOCs
While a low concentration of volatile organic compounds is completely odorless and thus often goes unnoticed, larger amounts can already be harmful to health. How toxic the chemical substances and their off-gassing are to our bodies depends on the type and source of the VOC. Elevated VOC values alter smell and taste perception. The fumes can also irritate mucous membranes and eyes, as well as cause fatigue and headaches. The higher the concentration in a room, the more pronounced these symptoms become. There are currently no studies yet on the long-term effects of exposure to volatile organic substances. Still, experts suspect that the rise in allergic reactions, especially in toddlers and infants, could be linked to these substances. Many also assume that a high VOC concentration is potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductively toxic.
Stay well informed, for your healthy life
How does painting with acrylic paint affect air quality? – our practical test
The level of volatile organic substances in your room air can be measured using a resistive sensor. For our test, we used our air-Q air quality monitor and had it analyze room air while painting with acrylic paint. Our test in a small room started around 8:30 p.m. with a VOC value of just under 200 ppb (parts per billion). Within a short time, VOC concentration rose significantly. The steadily rising curve already showed a doubling of VOC values after 10 minutes. After about 35 minutes, VOC exposure reached a peak of over 600 ppb, and after another half hour, the maximum of just under 700 ppb. At that point, the room was quick-ventilated for 5 minutes. Afterward, VOC values dropped significantly. Our experiment shows that painting with acrylic paint increases VOC concentration almost fourfold.
In our video, you can follow our painting experiment sped up.
To be less exposed to VOC fumes while painting with acrylic paint, you should ventilate the room adequately both during and after painting. It's also recommended to monitor the VOC value with an air quality monitor like the air-Q. Also use paints with a lower VOC content. Please note that even low-VOC or even VOC-free acrylic paints aren't necessarily completely free of these compounds.