Industrial paint fumes are harmful because, as they dry, they release Volatile Organic Compounds in a process named off-gassing. Unless specifically labelled otherwise, all solvent, oil and water-based paints include some concentration of VOCs, which include Toluene, Xylene, Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Acetone. Oil and solvent-based paints incorporate the highest volume of VOCs.

As a result, they provide the most inflated risk for health problems. VOCs are used in paint to inhibit mould and bacterial growth, control viscosity, encourage adhesion and aid in drying. But, when applied in indoor or poorly ventilated environments, they can cause organ damage, respiratory diseases, neurological damage and cancer after extended periods of exposure.

Spray painting without adequate defence through respiratory protection or a specialised LEV system can cause hazards to the health of those in proximity and the working environment. To spray paint, it must undergo high-velocity compression, which, when exiting the nozzle, transforms the liquid paint into a fine mist.

This VOC, pigment and resin-rich mist is highly inhalable and easily settles on exposed skin and eyes when oversprayed. These compounds can cause severe skin irritation, liver and kidney damage, chemical burns and even increase the risk of cancer. Aside from medical conditions, spray painting releases highly flammable vapours into the air, increasing ignition potential by something as minute as static electricity or a hot surface.

Spray booth extraction systems use powerful fans to draw air filled with paint droplets into a filtration andducting network. Once the air is in the ducting, it passes through several multi-layer fibreglass or concertina paper filters. These filters trap large and small overspray paint particles and up to 90% of solvent fumes. In recirculating systems, the filters prevent the redistribution of hazardous particles back into the workshop.

Although not designed for this purpose, spray booth extraction systems also pull dust, first, and other non-hazardous particles, freeing the painted surface from contamination. Despite this, a spray booth extraction system is not interchangeable with a specialisedDust Extraction System. You must use specific extraction systems for their intended application to ensure safety and compliance.

Extractly supplies andinstallsspray booth extraction systems to workshops across the UK. We sourcematerials, design your ducting, install the entire system and conduct routinemaintenance, providing an unbeatable end-to-end service. We also offer our services, includingLEV testing, to systems we had no prior involvement with, to ensure your system works efficiently and effectively.