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Inhalation Of Paint Fumes At Work, Please Advise Me
I work in a factory making Bouncy castles. I work next to an area where the painting of castles takes place, so I am inhaling the paint fumes for 40 hours a week, as there is no ventillation at all. I suffer from headaches and itchy eyes and throat and constant sneezing and a runny nose.I am very worried about long term health effects. Should my employer provide an extractor fan or ensure that there is adequate ventilation ? Please can you advise me what I should do. Thank you.
Wed, 31 Aug 2011
hello, welcome to HCM. Yes definitely your employer needs to provide better ventilation in the area as paints contain lead which can be toxic and cause metal poisoning. You must make sure to use atleast face masks and get yourself examined by a doctor to check for the effects on you so far. Wish you good health.
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Welcome to Healthcare Magic
Firstly you may be at risk of heavy metal poisoning if the paints are lead based. You need to find out if that is the case as the treatment will vary. Get to your Doctor and get a thorough checkup. Also you need to use gas masks if there is no option of installing an exhaust system in your workplace. Wear protective goggles to avoid eye irritation as well. You can do steam inhalation for relief. Take antihistamines under medical supervision if you have a runny nose and constant sneezing. Do not delay in getting to your Doctor to find a proper solution and also discuss with your employer on various protective methods you can adopt.
Firstly you may be at risk of heavy metal poisoning if the paints are lead based. You need to find out if that is the case as the treatment will vary. Get to your Doctor and get a thorough checkup. Also you need to use gas masks if there is no option of installing an exhaust system in your workplace. Wear protective goggles to avoid eye irritation as well. You can do steam inhalation for relief. Take antihistamines under medical supervision if you have a runny nose and constant sneezing. Do not delay in getting to your Doctor to find a proper solution and also discuss with your employer on various protective methods you can adopt.
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User's Response
Dr. Rangadhar Satapathy's
Response
long exposure of such type of fumes can result pneumonitis, chronic bronchial asthma that can lead to emphysema; you will feel diziness, cardiac problem too. already you are facing the symptoms of allergic manifestation of symptoms. So as long as possible change this surroundings. Now you start practicing breathing exercise daily. Take anti allergic medications. Exhaust fan and The room should be adequately ventilated. Use face mask for precaution. Thank you
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