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c/auto-body-repairers•iris_ellisiris_ellis•29d agoProlific Poster

After getting dizzy spraying clear coat, I checked my ventilation

Last week, I was spraying clear coat in my garage with the door nearly shut. I felt dizzy and had to stop working. The vent fan was off because the switch was broken, so fumes built up. I opened the door and fixed the switch right away. Now, I check all vents before any paint job. Paint chemicals can hurt your health and dirty the air if not managed. Please ensure your shop has proper airflow to stay safe.
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3 Comments
anna_hill
anna_hill28d ago
Totally agree with @victor_hall about treating fumes like they want to knock you out. I've heard of people getting really sick, like long term headaches or even nerve trouble, from just a few bad sessions. It's not just about opening a door, you need that air moving across you. A box fan in the doorway pushing air out makes a huge difference, otherwise the bad air just pools around your ankles and you're breathing it all in.
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cameronrivera
You mentioned the bad air pooling around your ankles, but actually, most solvent fumes are heavier than air. They sink and collect near the floor first. That's why just a fan in a high window might not clear it all. You really need that low-level exhaust to pull the heavy vapors out. It's a key detail a lot of people miss.
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victor_hall
How was the door even nearly shut while you were spraying? That's a major yikes dude, fumes build up crazy fast. I always crack my garage door wide open and still wear a mask, no way I'd risk it. Those chemicals are no joke, you gotta treat them like they're actively trying to knock you out. Solid move fixing the switch, but man, that initial situation sounds terrifying.
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