We're just covering our butts, Ben. I've yet to find a substance that doesn't cause harm. Gold is inert, but many wars have been fought over gold, so it's a killer too!
Ross and Andy are both right. We shouldn't discount the potential dangers of our hobby paints, and yet we shouldn't be so paranoid that we don't use them, at all. There are many substances found in and around our homes that are every bit as harmful (if not more!) as enamel paints and their solvents, and yet we don't worry too much about them: propane, chlorine bleach, laundry ammonia, gas for the lawn mowers just to name a few. Our furnaces put out carbon monoxide, our kitchens are stocked with sharp knives, our tool boxes filled with sharp implements, well, you get the idea.
The smart thing is to treat all of these products with that rarest of commodities: Common Sense! Adequate ventilation, using a respirator, proper storage and handling go a long way to mitigating the dangers.
I use acrylics for the simple fact that I don't need to use harsh chemicals to clean up. The paints themselves are not really that much less toxic, but since I can use plain old soap and water, I'm not compounding the danger.
And speaking of Common Sense, I found this on another forum:
Obituary for Common Sense
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing...
Author unknown