Is there any risk from short-term exposure to ethanol?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I want to know if there is a short-term health risk due to the inhalation of 70 % ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. I do not mean the hand wash, but the pure liquid, which I use for electronic repairing and cleaning. I almost always use an organic vapor mask or gas mask. If I work long hours, I use activated-carbon filter to purify the air. But, I sometimes think I am over cautious, and that makes people around me more scared of working with it. If I just want to use the ethanol to clean something for two to five minutes, should I still need to use the mask? I am only talking about inhalation as I always use gloves and eye protection.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com. An occasional brief exposure of not more than two minutes, as you mentioned, can be done without a mask. However, it is always recommended to use protection when dealing with poisonous gases, especially when you are working in that environment regularly.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
What are the tiny black dots that came up after gallbladder surgery?
How can I improve my health after an abortion?
My gums are itchy after eating. Please help.
Could BPA overexposure lead to erection problem?
Can getting walls painted cause breakouts and rashes?
Can lead stored in bones harm the fetus during future pregnancy?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.