Aerosol propellants consist of flammable gas combinations that can lead to fire and explosions if they are sprayed, punctured, or exposed to flames.

[3] In 1926, Norwegian engineer Erik Rotheim applied for the first patent for an aerosol can that could hold products and dispense them with the use of propellants.

Originally developed by the military as a tool to dispense insecticide, aerosol systems were quickly adapted to other product categories including spray paint.

In 1948, the Chase Company in Chicago became one of three businesses licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture to make aerosol mosquito repellents.

In 1949, Edward H. Seymour, of Sycamore, Illinois,[5] added paint to existing spray can technology at his wife Bonnie's suggestion.

In the late 1970s, street graffiti writers' signatures and murals became more elaborate and a unique style developed as a factor of the aerosol medium and the speed required for illicit work.

Graffiti artist paints tend to be more expensive, but have a wider selection of rich colors, are thicker and less likely to drip.

Stencils can be purchased as movable letters, ordered as professionally cut logos, or hand-cut by artists.

Graffiti writers can use stencils to quickly mark in busy places or leave recognizable tags over a large area.

If these compounds are released or disposed of improperly, soil and water sources can become contaminated, endangering species and ecosystems.

Aerosol paint is not recyclable and should be emptied before discarding as they can explode risking harm to sanitation workers and pollution.

[9] A major challenge that the aerosol spray paint industry faces includes environmental regulations meant to control VOC emissions and global warming, legal issues regarding safety labeling, and continued product abuse by graffiti artists.

The UK and many cities in the United States prohibit the sale of aerosol paint to minors as part of graffiti abatement programs.

[12] Indicators of inhalant abuse include paint stains on the individual, chemical orders, appear disoriented, have nausea, lack of appetite, and slurred speech.