Paint Fumes: Health Risks, Legal Obligations & How to Stay Safe
Updated: 05/01/2026
Paint fumes especially from solvent-based or isocyanate paints can pose serious health risks. Vapours and fine mist released during spray painting may cause headaches, dizziness, skin or eye irritation, and even long-term issues such as occupational asthma. Under the UK Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, employers must identify paint fumes as hazardous substances, carry out a risk assessment, and apply appropriate controls.
For low-hazard water-based painting with good ventilation, basic controls may suffice. But for solvent- or isocyanate-based painting – especially by spraying – effective ventilation or a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system is essential. In many cases a well-designed spray booth with exhaust to the outside is the safest option. If ventilation cannot reduce exposure below safe levels, you must provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as air-fed breathing apparatus for isocyanate paints.
Other important controls include maintaining good housekeeping, storing solvents in sealed containers, and ensuring workers wash before eating or leaving the site. Wherever possible, substitute to safer paints, reduce spray frequency, and avoid enclosed spaces.
Employers operating solvent- or isocyanate-based paint processes should consider a professional review of their ventilation setup, especially if spray painting is regular. A qualified LEV specialist can design or upgrade extraction systems, ensuring legal compliance and safeguarding worker health.
What Are Paint Fumes?
- Paints and coatings often contain solvent-based chemicals or isocyanates.
- During painting (especially spray, spraying or in confined spaces), these substances vaporise or generate fine mist.
- The vapour and mist pose inhalation hazards.
Why Paint Fumes Are Dangerous
Solvent Vapour Risks
- Solvent vapours can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea or skin & eye irritation. HSE warns that spraying solvent-containing paints or glues can produce very high airborne concentration. Source – HSE
- In confined or poorly-ventilated spaces, vapour build-up can reach concentrations that risk unconsciousness or poisoning. Source – HSE
Isocyanate Paint Risks
- Isocyanate-based paints (commonly used in 2-pack/automotive or industrial coatings) are a major cause of occupational asthma in the UK. Source – HSE
- Exposure risks include respiratory sensitisation, dermatitis, and long-term lung damage.
Legal and Regulatory Obligations under COSHH
- Under COSHH, employers must assess and control hazardous substances at work. Paint fumes count as hazardous vapours or mists.
- Employers must apply the “hierarchy of control”: avoid or substitute hazardous products, use ventilation or LEV, and provide respiratory protection only when engineering controls are insufficient. Source – HSE
How to Protect Workers — Safe Painting Practices
1. Do a COSHH Risk Assessment First
- Identify the paint/coating and its hazardous constituents (solvents, isocyanates, VOCs).
- Assess exposure based on process (spray vs brush), ventilation, and number of workers.
- Decide control measures using the COSHH hierarchy. Source – HSE
2. Prefer Substitution or Low-Hazard Paints Where Possible
- If a less hazardous water-based, low-VOC or non-isocyanate paint will do, use it.
- This eliminates many risks at source — the most effective control under COSHH. Source – HSE+1
3. Use Adequate Ventilation or LEV Systems
- For small or poorly ventilated areas, natural ventilation is often insufficient. Use mechanical ventilation or a properly designed LEV system. Source – Source – HSE
- If spray-painting is frequent or uses solvent/isocyanate paints, LEV or spray-booth extraction is strongly advised. Source – HSE
4. Use Adequate Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
- Where ventilation or LEV cannot reduce exposure below safe limits, use RPE suited to the hazard. For isocyanates, air-fed breathing apparatus is generally required. Source HSE
- Ensure RPE is fit-tested, users are trained, and it remains on until the area is cleared and ventilated. Source HSE
5. Use Spray Booths / Enclosures for Frequent or High-Risk Work
- If painting is done regularly or with high-solvent/isocyanate coatings, use a dedicated spray booth with exhaust ventilation to atmosphere. This prevents solvent accumulation and protects adjacent areas. Source HSE+1
6. Maintain Good Hygiene and Housekeeping
- Store paints and solvents in sealed, labelled containers.
- Clean spillages immediately.
- Ensure good wash-up and changing facilities so workers do not carry contaminants home. Source – HSE
When to Consider Upgrading Your Ventilation or LEV System
If any of the following apply, now is a good time to review or upgrade your ventilation controls:
- Frequent spray painting of solvent-based or isocyanate coatings.
- Use of high-solvent or high-VOC paints.
- Work in small, enclosed or poorly-ventilated spaces.
- Complaints of headaches, dizziness or respiratory irritation among staff.
- Existing extraction systems are old, inadequately maintained, or not designed for current workload.
Upgrading may involve: improving ducting or exhaust, installing a proper spray booth, adding real-time airflow indicators, or switching to safer paint/coating options.
Speaking to someone about an LEV system
A Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system will eradicate fumes and vapours by extracting them at the source and reducing concentrations safely.
If you or your employees are exposed to dangerous paint fumes and concerned about safety, it’s worth speaking to one of our P602-qualified LEV Engineers. They can discuss your concerns and bespoke solution to accommodate your needs and budget.