India, May 11 -- Setting spray may be the final flourish in your makeup routine, but it does more than just lock your look in place; it keeps products from smudging, fading, or turning cakey through the day. Used as a fine mist over the face, it's a beauty essential for many. But with every spritz, some of it may also be inhaled, raising questions about whether regular exposure could impact your lungs. To understand the possible respiratory risks of aerosol-based beauty products, we spoke to Dr Vikas Maurya, senior director and head, respiratory medicine and respiratory critical care at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. He noted that setting sprays release fine particles and gases that may unintentionally travel deep into the lungs. Here's a closer look at what goes into setting sprays, what happens when you inhale them and what's the correct way of using it. "Setting sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as alcohols, fragrances, and solvents. Indoor VOC levels, such as inside a room where makeup is sprayed, can be up to five to ten times higher than outdoor air," Dr Vikas shares, adding that directly inhaling setting spray can lead to side effects such as breathlessness, headaches, dizziness, and irritation in the nose, throat, and lungs. For some, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, it may even trigger asthma. "Some sprays can damage lung tissue and can cause infections. With long-term exposure, they may affect the lungs, reduce lung function and even impact other organs too," he said. People with asthma, those prone to allergies, or anyone dealing with sinus issues or a chronic cough, as well as children and older adults. Should you stop using setting spray altogether? Not necessarily. According to the doctor, these products are not harmful when used correctly and in moderation. But there is one important caveat: "Regular and careless use is not advisable, especially in polluted environments." Dr Vikas Maurya advises keeping usage occasional rather than excessive, spraying only in well-ventilated spaces with open windows or good airflow, and holding the bottle at least 20 to 30 centimetres away from the face. He also recommends closing your eyes, avoiding deep inhalation while spraying, opting for pump sprays instead of aerosol cans, choosing low-fragrance or low-VOC formulas, and steering clear of using them in small, enclosed spaces like bathrooms....