The Garage

A number of dangerous substances are frequently present, including paint, paint thinner, benzene, kerosene, mineral spirits, turpentine, lubricating/motor oils, and gasoline.  Hazards among them include these chemicals:

Chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in paint thinner can cause liver and kidney damage;

Petroleum hydrocarbons, an ingredient of gasoline, motor oils, and benzene, are associated with skin and lung cancer;

Mineral spirits in oil-based paint are a skin, eye, nose throat, and lung irritant.  High air concentrations can cause nervous system damage, unconsciousness, and death;

Ketones in paint thinner may cause respiratory ailments which vary according to the specific form of the chemical;

Ketones and toluene in wood putty: toluene is highly toxic, may cause skin, kidney, liver, central nervous system damage; may damage reproductive system.