Again, ventilation and/or use of a suitable respirator will reduce the risk of harmful effects from paint thinner vapors. One of the real dangers of petroleum distillates is that they're easily absorbed through the skin. While there is no hard evidence that absorption of paint thinners themselves causes systemic illness, they're often contaminated with benzene, xylene, toluene, and other aromatic hydrocarbons. The paint thinner acts as a vehicle for these hydrocarbons, facilitating their absorption through the skin. There is evidence that indicates the effects of these toxins is cumulative.

So follow the precaution on the label: "Avoid repeated or prolonged skin contact." Wear rubber gloves when handling mineral spirits. If you do splash some on your skin, whas immediately with soap and water. Don't use paint thinner to cleanse your skin after using oil-based paints. Use a barrier cream or petrolatum (Vaseline) before painting to keep paint from soaking into your pores. After painting wash with cold cream or commercial hand cleaner such as Go-Jo or DL Handcleaner.

There's a condition known as chronic painter's disease, which is marked by vervous disorder such as anxiety or depression, coinciding with liver and kidney damage. While this affliction affects only career painters who have never followed safe paint practices, it's an indication of the potential health hazards of volatile components of paint. Paint thinners are rich in petroleum distillates. Thinners enter the body through breathing of vapors and direct absorption through the skin. Protective clothing and adequate ventilation are your best defenses.