How to Clear Lungs of Spray Paint? – 10 Easy Steps

Writing by Last Updated On: January 31, 2023
Randy Charles
Professional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years...Read more

Even though you know youre supposed to wear protective gear, youve inhaled spray paint. Now what??

Not just the paint smell, but inhaling spray paint fumes can damage your lungs and other vital body organs. Learning how to clear lungs of spray paint will help relieve you from short and long-term side effects.

Lets find out the home remedy for accidentally inhaling spray paint fumes.

Also Read: How to make spray paint not sticky?

How Harmful Are Spray Paint Fumes for Your Lungs?

Most spray cans contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released in the air when applied to various projects. However, some paints contain isocyanates and are potential carcinogens. Its important to take safety precautions when using these paints at home or work, like in an auto body shop.

How Harmful Are Spray Paint Fumes For Your Lungs

Prolonged exposure to a high concentration of paint fumes can trigger asthma. The condition will make your airways inflamed and narrow, causing breathing difficulty.

Other health effects caused by toxic fumes include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Chest pain
  • Irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, or throat.
    If any of these things become excessive, see medical treatment from a physician.

Pregnant women should avoid painting during the first trimester since the side effects on the unborn babys lungs are severe. I recommend using water-based paints in a well-ventilated room if you choose to decorate. Children should avoid paint fumes whenever possible as well.

Another excellent option is to use respirator masks since they prevent microscopic and scent-free particles from reaching your lungs when using a paint sprayer. Respirators provide maximum protection against harmful vapors, mold spores, and chemicals.

How to Clean Lungs of Spray Paint?

We all know that aerosol spray paint fumes are harmful to our lungs. However, there is no need to panic after inhaling the paint fumes. Patience and attention are vital since the fumes wont damage the body parts within seconds.

Spray Paint

Unfortunately, there is no proven tool for cleaning your lungs with spray paint. But the following tips will help you clean spray paint from your lungs:

  • Use Air Purifiers: Appropriate air circulation can help clear the lungs from the spray paint fumes. Install an air purifier to help cleanse fresh air when painting. Pure air inhalation will help remove spray paint from the air.
  • Exercise to Improve Breathing: Regular exercise forces the body muscles to improve the breathing rate and blood circulation. It also facilitates the supply of oxygen and the elimination of carbon dioxide. The high breathing rate helps clear the lungs of spray paint in the long run. If you suffer from lung diseases, seek your doctors advice before exercising.
  • Take a Walk Outside and Breathe in the Fresh Air: Inhaling spray paint is inevitable when decorating your indoor projects. Walking outside will help to inhale fresh air and free volatile elements from your lungs. Be sure to breathe normally and stay away from painted areas. The lungs will be able to remove paint particles during breathing.
  • Fluids:Drinking fluids, especially milk, helps remove the toxins from your body.
  • A Cup of Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidant properties that reduce lung inflammation. These substances also protect vital lung tissues from the adverse effect of spray paint fumes. According to research, regular consumption of green tea will reduce the risk of chronic obstructive lung diseases. It also increases the oxygen supply in the lungs.
  • Chest Percussion: Chest physiotherapy vibrations will move the stained mucus away from the airways and trigger coughing. It is a proven method for preventing spray paint fumes from reaching the lungs and damaging your pulmonary system. However, a medical professional with experience must teach this technique to avoid hurting your chest.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Foods: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods will reduce inflammation in the airways and lungs. It makes breathing easy, and the chest feels light. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods, such as tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, and other types, will relieve the symptoms of inhaling spray paint fumes.
  • Avoid Artificial Scents: Most artificial scents have trace amounts of VOCs. For that reason, avoid perfumes or artificial scents after inhaling spray paint fumes for weeks or months. It allows the lungs to work and rejuvenate from the spray paint damage. Besides that, it eliminates the risk of VOC inhalation.
  • Steam Therapy: Steam inhalation opens the airways and loosens the mucus around the lungs. The spray paint fumes usually stain the mucus in the lungs after inhalation. Steam therapy forces the loose mucus to drain and empty while improving heart rate and respiratory performance.
  • Controlled Coughing: Coughing helps by removing toxin compounds stuck in the mucus. Controlled coughing will loosen the mucus around the lungs and force it out via the airways. Cough about 2-3 times a day and exhale with mouth open. The routine will help clear lungs of spray paint fumes without any struggles.

Also Read: How to fix spray paint drips

Spray Painting Safety Precautions

Most aerosol cans are safe for use. But prolonged exposure to paint fumes can cause short- and long-term side effects. I recommend taking precautions when painting your projects.

Spray Painting Safety Precautions

Below are some spray painting safety steps for people to consider:

  • Wear respirator masks to avoid inhalation of spray paint fumes.
  • Open the doors and windows to improve indoor ventilation when painting.
  • Take several breaks by going outside to breathe fresh air.
  • Close leftover paint containers to prevent vapors from leaking, and wipe the lid of excess that was spilled.
  • Always read the safety guidelines on the spray paint package label before using it.

Final Words

While spray paints are safe for use, prolonged exposure to paints and fumes can harm your health.

Consider the above paint tips to avoid health problems. Fast-acting treatment allows your body to repair so you can return to work safely.

Related Resources:

  1. Is Rustoleum Spray Paint Waterproof?
  2. Is Spray Paint Food Safe?
  3. How to Spray Walls Without Hitting the Ceiling?
  4. How To Keep Spray Paint From Rubbing Off?
  5. How to Paint a Cardboard in 6 Easy Steps
Randy CharlesProfessional Painter

Randy Charles is the owner of PaintCentric.com, a website dedicated to providing information, tips, tricks, and news about all things paint. With over 10 years of experience in the painting industry, Randy has become an expert in the field and is passionate about helping others learn more about painting. He has written numerous articles on the subject and is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to his readers.

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