Presence of Volatile Organic Compounds in Fine Coat Paint Used in House Decoration in Benue State Nigeria.

Abstract

Chemical assessment of  liquid state green colored samples of Emulsion Fine-Coat paint ,Texture fine-coat Paint and Oil-fine coat paint collectively referred to as fine-coat Paint normally produced and used in Nigeria for house painting was carried out by first detecting alcohols . To 2cm³ of the paint sample in a test tube was added 2cm³ of  ethanoic acid, and a few drops of conc. H₂S0₄. This was boiled with care for 2  minutes ,  an ester was formed with a characteristic pleasant fruity smell. This indicated the presence of an alcohol. To a further 2cm³ of sample in a test tube was added a small amount of sodium metal (with care).   There was a vigorous effervescence with the evolution of an odourless colourless gas  with no effect on litmus paper. This confirmed the presence of an alcohol .  2 drops of sample was added to 2ml of 95% ethanol and 3ml of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reagent. It was shaken vigorously, and allowed to stand for 15 minutes. Formation of a precipitate was a positive test for ketones . To 2cm³ of AgNo₃ solution, was added 1 drop of dilute NaoH,  and 1 cm³ of a little amount of  paint sample and warmed on a water bath.  Silver mirror was formed on the wall of the test tube confirming the presence of  an aldelyde   The quantity of these compounds was assessed by the use of a small hand held monitor the  RI  VOC Meter extremely sensitive and capable of detecting contamination at 0.1ppm levels .  The   maximum values of  0,65ppm Formaldehyde  0.60ppm Acetone  and  0.75ppm   alcohol were obtained  .  VOCs  are  dangerous to human health and can cause harm to the environment especially indoors . Considering  the results obtained above and viewed against  international standards they are  not acutely toxic, but instead have compounding long-term health effects, because the concentrations are  usually low and the symptoms slow to develop .

Keywords:  Dangerous  Paints  Hazards  Contaminants and Ventilation