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Aerosols & Lung Problems

Products in aerosol sprays seem to be everywhere. Aerosol sprays allow an ease of use and excellent coverage for many different kinds of materials from paints to cosmetics. The negative effects of using aerosol sprays have been known for decades, however, and safety precautions must always be taken to protect the health of those using the products as well as those who are in contact with the sprays, and prevent effects on the environment.

  1. History of Aerosols

    • In the 1920s, the aerosols can came into widespread use. By the 1940s, a great variety of pesticides and paints were sold in aerosol cans. Lung damage caused by chemicals in aerosol sprays became better understood, and laws were enacted requiring advisories on the safe use of these sprays. By the 1970s, scientists began to point to the propellants used in aerosol sprays, chlorofluorocarbons, as the cause of the depletion of the ozone layer that protects the Earth from the sun's rays.

    VOCs

    • Since the 1970s and the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons from aerosol sprays, it was hoped that aerosol use would be safer both for people and the environment. However, it is now understood that chemicals that were substituted, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emit chemicals as they break down that can cause headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; nausea; loss of coordination; damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system; and cancer.

    Types of Aerosol Products

    • You can find almost any kind of product in an aerosol spray, from insecticides for home and garden, to paints, solvents, personal deodorants, room sprays, cleaners and even cooking oils. In some cases, the aerosol convenience is not really needed to do an effective job; in those cases, it is probably best for health reasons and for environmental reasons to forgo use of aerosols in favor of more conventional methods of application.

    Aerosol Sprays and Health

    • Aerosol sprays cause lung problems in several different ways. First, the chemicals that are sprayed can cause lung irritation, asthma, bronchitis and other pulmonary diseases. The second problem is small particles that are inhaled through the lungs can enter the bloodstream and cause problems throughout the human body. For these reasons, aerosol use should be limited as much as possible. In addition, the breakdown of the chemical used in these sprays can also cause health problems.

    Protecting Your Lungs

    • You can protect the health of your lungs when using aerosol sprays by making sure you use them only in well-ventilated areas. Use them outdoor whenever possible so that the fumes and chemicals can dissipate quickly. If you must use them indoors, open doors and windows, and use an appropriate respiratory mask. Use fans to blow flumes out of the building as quickly as possible. Have other people leave the area for a time until the fumes disperse. Dispose of aerosol containers as recommended by your community toxic waste agency.

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