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Paint fumes are typically considered an inhaled toxin because they often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals that can be released into the air during the painting process. These fumes can be harmful when inhaled, leading to various health issues ranging from minor irritations to significant respiratory problems.

Inhalation is a common route of exposure for many toxins, and because paint fumes are known for often being present in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation, they pose a considerable risk to individuals who are exposed to them.

In contrast, while carbon dioxide is a byproduct of respiration and can be harmful at high concentrations, it is not classified as a toxin in the same sense as chemical fumes from paints. Garden insecticides, although dangerous and can have inhalation risk, are not as universally recognized as inhaled toxins when compared to paint fumes, which are more commonly encountered. Antacids, on the other hand, are oral medications and not substances that would typically be inhaled.