Auto Body Painting Safety Auto Body Painting Safety - Workers are exposed to potential health risks from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chromates, and isocyanates during priming and painting. Read the safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemicals you use.  The SDS lists personal protective equipment you need to wear and the safe work procedures for that chemical. Isocyanates are released from some primers and paints.  Exposure to isocyanates is extremely irritating to skin, mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal tract.  Isocyanates can cause rashes, sensitization, asthma, and even death. Hexavalent chromium can be found in the pigments of paints and primers. ...