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Is Prolonged Inhalation Of Paint Fumes Harmful?
Question: I was exposed to spray painting particles over the last few days while kitchen was getting done. I had just a basic dust mask on as I was in another room. However still managed to get white paint all over my face and nose. I'm feeling ok just a slight headache and cough. The paint was water based semi gloss. Should I go to a Doctor to get checked out or leave for a few days. Also, we 're trying for a baby at the moment could this have a major impact?
Brief Answer:
If mask was on the whole time you'll be fine
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. If you had the mask on the whole time, the exposure was minimal and there is no need to worry.
If not, and you are sure you were directly exposed, there is still little to worry, unless your coughing continues and you experience shortness of breath and rashes on the skin. If that happens, by all means do see a doctor at the earliest.
I hope this helps
Wishing you all the best.
If mask was on the whole time you'll be fine
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. If you had the mask on the whole time, the exposure was minimal and there is no need to worry.
If not, and you are sure you were directly exposed, there is still little to worry, unless your coughing continues and you experience shortness of breath and rashes on the skin. If that happens, by all means do see a doctor at the earliest.
I hope this helps
Wishing you all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Thanks for your response. I'm still feeling unwell with a cough and headache that hasn't gone away. I believe I was exposed and inhaled a fair amount of paint particles as this was all in my nose, ears and eyelashes over the 3days of spray paint indoors. Is there anything a Doctor can give me to assist or is this a waiting game.
Brief Answer:
A waiting game for now
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Coughing is good, it is the body's reaction to get rid of the foreign bodies in the airways. The headache is a sign of inhalation of paint fumes. So far, there is nothing you can do, except staying out in fresh air as much as possible and away from the freshly painted house. The body has its way to rid of the foreign bodies. The moment the paint is dry, it is not toxic anymore.
If your headache worsens, you feel lightheaded, dizzy and experience shortness of breath, please get medical help as soon as possible.
Inhalation of paint fumes and particles would be harmful to the fetus if you were pregnant, however, it would take a longtime exposure to these chemicals to affect a future pregnancy. So there is nothing to worry about regarding this matter.
I hope this helps.
Wishing you all the best.
A waiting game for now
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Coughing is good, it is the body's reaction to get rid of the foreign bodies in the airways. The headache is a sign of inhalation of paint fumes. So far, there is nothing you can do, except staying out in fresh air as much as possible and away from the freshly painted house. The body has its way to rid of the foreign bodies. The moment the paint is dry, it is not toxic anymore.
If your headache worsens, you feel lightheaded, dizzy and experience shortness of breath, please get medical help as soon as possible.
Inhalation of paint fumes and particles would be harmful to the fetus if you were pregnant, however, it would take a longtime exposure to these chemicals to affect a future pregnancy. So there is nothing to worry about regarding this matter.
I hope this helps.
Wishing you all the best.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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