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It depends on how much you inhaled. Doing it once and not inhaling very much won't really hurt you - it'll make you cough and gag, but you won't die. If you did it every day for years it would give you coal miner's lung - a condition where particles your body can't dislodge get into your lungs.
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Jordan
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BeauPer the details you gave (see Discussion area), no, a one time, limited exposure incident, of such a small amount, won't cause long term effects. It would have been better to first worry about what was on your hands. Humans constantly touch or rub their faces, especially eyes, nose, and mouth. I would have left to wash my hands, then worry about ventilation.
When sources talk about lung damage, it generally refers to long term exposure, whatever the chemical or irritant.
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What happens if you inhale rust?
Inhaling rust particles can lead to respiratory issues such as lung irritation and possibly pneumonia. It's important to seek medical attention if you have inhaled rust particles to address potential health concerns.
How unhealthy is it to inhale small amount of rust particles?
The time-weighted average or permissible exposure limit is 5 mg/m3; iron oxide is not a toxic product.But may cause irritation to eyes and respiratory tract.
Why do iron particles rust more in coastal areas?
Salty air, high ratio of moisture and relatively low temperature causes iron to rust quicker.
Can you put nails in water to drink rust water?
It is not safe to drink water that has rust from nails in it as it can contain iron oxide which may be harmful to your health. It is recommended to drink clean, filtered water for your hydration needs.
How toxic is rust?
Rust itself is not toxic to humans. However, prolonged exposure to rust and its associated particles can cause skin irritation or cuts due to its abrasive nature. It is important to handle rusty materials with care to avoid injury.
