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Is the smell of car paint dangerous to lungs?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My car just got back from the workshop and got a new lacquering spray paint all over after storm damage. When I got my first ride, I still felt a spray paint smell inside the car. Of course, I drove with open windows and tried to clean it as much as possible. Now, after a week the smell is still there, but a lot less strong. What I am concerned about is, is this smell dangerous for my lungs? Or is this just something I should not worry about? After sitting in the car for 20 seconds, I do not feel the smell anymore. I read on the internet about lacquering and all the awful chemicals such as Isocyanate. Is this something dangerous while working with it? I do not have any symptoms unless a very stuffy nose and dry airways after driving for 2 hours with open windows and 9 degrees Celsius outside. Please make me feel safe.
Answered by Dr. Nookala Sunil Kumar

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nookala Sunil Kumar is an Allergy Specialist, Pulmonologist, and Sleep Medicine Specialist with extensive expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating respiratory, allergic, and sleep-related disorders. He helps in the evaluation and treatment of allergies, including food, drug, and environmental allergies. He also does sleep disorder management, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. He is in advanced respiratory care, including oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation. He gives patient counseling on lifestyle modifications, triggers, and long-term disease management.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Isocyanate exposure as you know is toxic only if you are continually exposed to it. And, as you do not have a prior history of allergy, do not bother about it. You are safe and the stuffiness of your nose after 2 hours is because of continuous exposure to dust and cold.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 4, 2016
Reviewed At March 19, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nookala Sunil Kumar is an Allergy Specialist, Pulmonologist, and Sleep Medicine Specialist with extensive expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating respiratory, allergic, and sleep-related disorders. He helps in the evaluation and treatment of allergies, including food, drug, and environmental allergies. He also does sleep disorder management, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. He is in advanced respiratory care, including oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation. He gives patient counseling on lifestyle modifications, triggers, and long-term disease management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Companion

Car Paint Smell Lung Safety Companion

How it works

The smell of car paint can be concerning, especially if you're worried about your lung health. Here's what you need to know about common chemicals and potential effects.

1

Paint
Chemicals

2

Exposure
Toxicity

3

Common
Symptoms

4

Environmental
Factors

5

Allergy
History

6

Medical
Advice

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
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Dr. Nookala Sunil Kumar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Nookala Sunil Kumar is an Allergy Specialist, Pulmonologist, and Sleep Medicine Specialist with extensive expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating respiratory, allergic, and sleep-related disorders. He helps in the evaluation and treatment of allergies, including food, drug, and environmental allergies. He also does sleep disorder management, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. He is in advanced respiratory care, including oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation. He gives patient counseling on lifestyle modifications, triggers, and long-term disease management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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