What safety precaution should be adhered to when working with paints and solvents?

When working with paints and solvents, ensuring proper ventilation and using respirators is essential for minimizing inhalation risks. Many paints and solvents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release harmful fumes, which can lead to respiratory issues or other health problems if inhaled in sufficient quantities. Proper ventilation helps to disperse these fumes, while respirators provide an additional layer of protection by filtering out harmful particles from the air.

Although wearing gloves is an important safety measure to protect the skin from dermal exposure, it does not address inhalation hazards effectively. Relying solely on water-based products can mitigate some risks due to their typically lower VOC content, but it doesn't eliminate the need for a safe work environment. Finally, working in a confined space without proper ventilation would significantly increase the risks associated with paint and solvent fumes. Therefore, following the dual safety precaution of ensuring proper ventilation and using respirators is critical for safe practices when dealing with these materials.