Spray paint fumes are very strong and can cause health problems if inhaled or ingested. The fumes are also flammable, so it is important to keep them away from any open flame or heat source. But can you get high off spray paint fumes?
Yes, you can get high off spray paint fumes through a dangerous practice known as ‘huffing’ paint. To avoid the harmful effects of inhaling spray paint fumes, ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area, wear a protective mask, and take frequent breaks while working.
In this article, we will be discussing the health effects of Huffing spray paint fumes on the human body. We will also discuss the signs and symptoms of Huffing spray paint fumes. So, let’s start!
Can you get high off spray paint fumes?
According to the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Research, spray paint contains toluene, which rapidly enters the bloodstream through the lungs. It initially produces an “excited and euphoric” response. After a few minutes, however, people experience drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects.
So, if you frequently use spray paint, then you should always wear a respirator mask and other protective gear like goggles and gloves. Otherwise, you can definitely get high off spray paint fume inhalation.
Also read: What is spray paint made of?
What is ‘huffing’ of spray paint fumes?
Huffing is a general term that is often applied specifically to inhalant abuse. While huffing, people usually put the substance in a cloth and then press it to the mouth and nose. This causes the substance to enter the blood stream quickly.
The most common substances used for huffing include glue, gasoline, and spray paints. Huffing spray paint fumes is very dangerous and can cause serious damage to your brain and nervous system.
Common symptoms of huffing spray paint fumes
These are some of the most common symptoms of huffing spray paint fumes. If you have experienced these symptoms, then you need to immediately seek medical attention.
These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening condition:
Slurred speech or loss of coordination
Slurred speech and loss of coordination are two of the most common symptoms associated with huffing spray paint. When someone has lost their balance, they may fall down. They may also lose control over their movements.
Chemical odors around the individual
The people who are addicted to huffing spray paint often smell chemical odors around themselves. Their breath smells strongly of chemicals. This is because the chemicals present in the spray paint enter the body through the airways.
Drowsiness
People who are addicted to huffed spray paint often feel sleepy. They may not be able to concentrate well. They may even fall asleep while driving or doing any other task.
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Dizziness and lightheadedness are among the other common symptoms of huffing spray paint fumes. People who are addicted to huffing spray paint often feel dizzy and lightheaded. They may also have trouble walking straight.
Loss of inhibition
Huffing spray paint fumes can make people lose their inhibitions. They may become aggressive and violent. They may even try to hurt themselves.
Irritability or moodiness
People often feel irritable and angry after huffing spray paint fume inhalations. They may also show poor impulse control. They may act recklessly and do things that they normally would never do.
What do you do if you inhale spray paint fumes?
It is always recommended to wear a mask while spray painting to avoid paint fumes inhalation. But if somehow you have already inhaled spray paint fumes, you must take certain steps to recover from this situation.
First thing first, you must stop breathing in the spray paint fumes as soon as possible. The best way to do so is by holding your breath and moving to an open space where the spray paint fumes cannot reach you.
If you are unable to leave the area due to safety reasons, then you should cover your face with a wet towel. Make sure that the towel covers both your eyes and nose.
You can also use a wet rag to cover your nose and mouth. Do not remove the rag until you are outside the sprayed area.
Once you are out of the sprayed area, you should start taking deep breaths. Breathing deeply will help clear the spray paint, and controlled coughing can also help. I have written a detailed article on how to clear lungs of spray paint, please go through the article and try the tips mentioned in it.
Conclusions
You can get high off spray paint fumes, making you very sick. It can cause serious health problems like brain damage, heart attack, liver and kidney failure, etc. If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should immediately seek medical assistance.
It is always recommended that when you are spraying paint, you should always wear a mask. Also, make sure that the area is well-ventilated and that there is proper air circulation.
FAQs
What happens when you get high from spray paint?
When you get high off spray paint fumes, you will feel tired, lazy, sluggish, drowsy, and uncoordinated. You may also feel nauseous, dizzy, and lightheaded. Your thoughts may seem unclear. You may be confused and forgetful.
How long do spray paint fumes last?
Spray paint fumes stay around for at least 24 hours. It typically takes two to three days to completely dissipate the spray paint fume.
Can spray paint fumes cause anxiety?
Yes, spray paint fumes can cause anxiety. This is because they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are very toxic chemicals that can cause anxiety.
Is spray paint toxic to the lungs?
Yes, spray paints are extremely toxic to the lungs. When you breathe in spray paint fumes, it gets absorbed into your bloodstream. Once inside your body, it slowly spreads throughout your entire system.
