Diffuse pulmonary injury following paint remover exposure.

A case of paint remover inhalation causing pulmonary edema and pleural effusions is described. Methylene chloride, an ingredient of paint removers, can cause pulmonary edema and carbon monoxide poisoning. The expanding interest in home projects involving furniture refinishing and paint removal puts a large segment of the population at risk. The implications of such exposure need to be recognized by the medical community.