Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Inhalation Of Paint Fumes Harmful?
Question: I am 39 years old good general health and weigh about 150 pounds. I wasn't smart and was spray painting shutters in my garage without a mask. Even with the door opened after I stepped out and went back in I noticed the fog from the fumes. Now I'm worried about the toxins especially those that would cause cancer. Should I be worried? How long will it take for my body to rid itself of the toxins?
Brief Answer:
Do not expose again
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You were correct you should have used mask for painting. But do not worry, one exposure to spray paint would not cause cancer or would not convert the normal cells to cancer ones. If you have any other problem related to red eyes, reddened skin, breathlessness due to exposure, please let me know.
Only repeated and prolonged exposure of the spray paint (silica and asbestos containing and other solvents) would cause cancer. These toxins when exposed leave the body in 3 days to 7 days depending on the solvent the paint has.
Next time on please use proper gear to paint the shutters. Put charcoal cubes all over the place so that they absorb these toxic fumes.
Hope this is clear.
Do not expose again
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You were correct you should have used mask for painting. But do not worry, one exposure to spray paint would not cause cancer or would not convert the normal cells to cancer ones. If you have any other problem related to red eyes, reddened skin, breathlessness due to exposure, please let me know.
Only repeated and prolonged exposure of the spray paint (silica and asbestos containing and other solvents) would cause cancer. These toxins when exposed leave the body in 3 days to 7 days depending on the solvent the paint has.
Next time on please use proper gear to paint the shutters. Put charcoal cubes all over the place so that they absorb these toxic fumes.
Hope this is clear.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thank you for your help. Ok so technically doing 3 pairs of shutters off and on all day the way I did them wouldn't or would be considered "repeated and prolonged" exposure? I went through about 5 cans... Am I still ok? Or more concerning now?
Brief Answer:
Years of exposure
Detailed Answer:
no it is not concerning.
though it was repeated it was not for years or even months. just a day is just fine.
so assuming that you do not have skin rash, or red eye or breath issues that means the toxin gas did not affect the outer parts of body, how can it get inside cells transform?
think logically, is it not? cancer transformation takes for years of exposure.
Good health. if you so not have more questions, please close and rate.
Years of exposure
Detailed Answer:
no it is not concerning.
though it was repeated it was not for years or even months. just a day is just fine.
so assuming that you do not have skin rash, or red eye or breath issues that means the toxin gas did not affect the outer parts of body, how can it get inside cells transform?
think logically, is it not? cancer transformation takes for years of exposure.
Good health. if you so not have more questions, please close and rate.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
