[TheForge] Re: TheForge Digest, Vol 48, Issue 17-dust masks and fumes/Don Plummer

[lee robbins]

-Don,
i have used the 3M 8511 dust mask with the exhaust
valve for dusts of grinding and when sandblasting.
They work well. Fumes are another issue. I have
experienced carbon filters and other types and they
get saturated with fumes pretty quickly especially
hydrocarbon fumes. Ventilation works better In terms
of welding fumes and it is a balancing act for me
between blowing fumes away and affecting the shielding
gas for the mig welder.  I prefer all of that outside
if possible, though in zone 4 usda it is a limited
option. You see old blacksmiths but  welders don't
live so long. Plasma fumes are toxic as well.The only
real way to completely block the toxicity is with a
self contained breathing apparatus. Dusts are
relatively easy to block, fumes are another issue.
Dusts create cumulative toxicity in the lungs with
fibrotic processes that continue after the exposure.

In medical school on spirometry they said i had early
changes of pulmonary fibrosis, from sanding polyester
resin blocks in high school. Playing the flute helped
my vital capacity, volumes of air moved. I have lived
worrying about the other shoe dropping. This has made
me real conscious of this stuff and its not pretty  so
i like most of us often ignore much of it.

Lee


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