What Are The Adverse Effects Of Inhaling Paint Fumes?

Posted on Fri, 1 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 1 Apr 2016 Answered on

Wed, 1 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, i was just spraying enamel paint out of a spray gun, i had a mask on, however i do not think that the mask served its purpose since as i was soraying it i became light headed. Whats the risks if I've breathed too much of it in?

Answered by Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dont worry; see a doctor only if symptoms persist

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to HCM.
This is Dr. Swarnava Dattagupta answering your query.

I understand your concern.
Yes, sudden exposure to paint fumes like enamel etc may lead to dizziness and fatigue like you have experienced. But it gets better when you move out of the area gradually. Nothing needs to be done for such small exposures of inhalation of enamel paint.
So if it was for a single occasion only, dont worry.
But if you are chronically exposed, you should use proper protection. Or if your symptoms reappear or persist, then only you need to get checked by a doctor.
Otherwise, relax and dont worry. You will be just fine.

Hope this was helpful.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad