Is everyone using a respirator?

I replaced the filter cartridges on my 3M respirator today and was wondering (hoping) that other members are using a respirator too and not some cheap paper mask held on by a rubber band. I searched this forum for related threads and didn't come across any, maybe because I'm being Capt. Obvious here. I realize most everyone is wearing one when painting with a spray gun but a good respirator is also vital when working in the garage grinding, sanding, spray bombing, doing anything that releases vapors or dust. Wearing a respirator with the charcoal filters, you can't even smell the fumes from whatever it is you're spraying. I've been spraying Rust-Mort, rubberized undercoating, etch primer, etc. during my Coronet's resto and I wear that thing all the time. I don't realize how potent the fumes are until I take the respirator off.

Here's a test to see if you're filtering out all the crud in the air: after you're done spending a day grinding, painting, etc. and you come into the house to take a shower, grab a Q-tip and swab inside each nostril. If the Q-tip comes back grey or worse, black, that's getting into your lungs. No exaggeration, using my 3M all day I have no residue.

Sorry if I'm sounding like Mr. Mom here, just looking out for my fellow FBBO'ers. You don't realize how much your health means until a doctor tells you that you don't have it any more, trust me I know.

Below is a pic of the 3M respirator, you can get 'em at Lowes or Home Depot for about $30; replacement cartridges are about $18. Happy and Safe wrenching.

Few things to add:

1) It takes the rubber a few minutes to warm up to fit your face better. 5 minutes is a good rule of thumb.
2) Do a fit test - Depending on the cartridges they may be left on. Place your hands over the inlet and inhale deep. If the mask sucks your face it had a good seal.
3) Get the proper size - Most men are a large but some skinny guys may need a medium.
4) The cartridges don't last forever - eventually you will suck the junk through.

Thanks for the reminder Darter!!

It's a good idea to shave also, I see some body shop guys with full beards.

Car Nut said:

It's a good idea to shave also, I see some body shop guys with full beards.

Click to expand...

Not too many old dudes with beards in Paint shops around here :thinker:

Car Nut said:

It's a good idea to shave also, I see some body shop guys with full beards.

Click to expand...

Good point, in fact facial hair is listed as a warning on the package insert.

You can order these at Smartshoppers Autobody supply for 18.00 each

It's a good idea to protect you're self from the dust and paints... when tearing into old cars with asbestos insulation with years of accumulated dust....

Depending on the job performed and materials used, also has to do with which cartridge you choose. The proper cartridge removed from factory packaging and in the open elements is key, as many have a shelf life that varies among manufacturers.
Just some basic info
http://blog.pksafety.com/which-filters-are-best-for-automotive-work-and-spray-painting/

Positive pressure fresh air hoods and suit are among the safest IMO.

I have a variety I select from. For sanding and grinding I use a 3M half mask with the pancake dust particulate filters, it's lighter on your face, less cumbersome. If I'm spraying, I wear a half mask with vapor cartridges. If I'm in a particularly nasty situation I go full faced mask with vap cartridges.

I like the full faced under a hood for media blasting or for spraying under cars or places like inside a trunk.

Haven't been doing much painting yet, but use one sanding, cleaning, or just blowing the dust off. This set of lungs has to last me a few more years...

The old guy I learned to paint from use to pu Vasoline on his face before he put his on. I still do ( just alittle) to help seal. Mine also has two hoese's on it so my filter hang down on my back.
My Ungle is a custom painter in FL now. I remember years ago he got Real sick due to poisening from painting.
Not only do you need to filter you air But also Cover your SKIN !
Food for thought !

You also absorb lots of that bad stuff through your eyeballs easier than through your skin. Full face protection is the best when spraying paints.

When I was painting for Hess and Eisenhardt, the only way to not to be exposed to the catalysts was to wear a outside source/forced-air supply, gloves, and tyvek suit. None of the basic masks/filters would stop isocyanates.

Isocyanates

worker spraying truck bedIsocyanates are a family of highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals. They are widely used in the manufacture of flexible and rigid foams, fibers, coatings such as paints and varnishes, and elastomers, and are increasingly used in the automobile industry, auto body repair, and building insulation materials. Spray-on polyurethane products containing isocyanates have been developed for a wide range of retail, commercial, and industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum, including protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, boats, foundations, and decks.

Isocyanates are powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of the eyes and gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Direct skin contact can also cause marked inflammation. Isocyanates can also sensitize workers, making them subject to severe asthma attacks if they are exposed again. Death from severe asthma in some sensitized subjects has been reported. Workers potentially exposed to isocyanates who experience persistent or recurring eye irritation, nasal congestion, dry or sore throat, cold-like symptoms, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness should see a physician knowledgeable in work-related health problems.

Preventing exposure to isocyanates is a critical step in eliminating the health hazard. Engineering controls such as closed systems and ventilation should be the principal method for minimizing isocyanate exposure in the workplace. Other controls, such as worker isolation and personal protective clothing and equipment may also be necessary. Early recognition of sensitization and prompt and strict elimination of exposures is essential to reduce the risk of long-term or permanent respiratory problems for workers who have become sensitized.

The most widely used compounds are diisocyanates, which contain two isocyanate groups, and polyisocyanates, which are usually derived from diisocyanates and may contain several isocyanate groups. The most commonly used diisocyanates include methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Other common diisocyanates include naphthalene diisocyanate (NDI), methylene bis-cyclohexylisocyanate (HMDI) (hydrogenated MDI), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). Examples of widely used polyisocyanates include HDI biuret and HDI isocyanurate

courtesy of http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/isocyanates/




I quit painting..... and will gladly pay what amount it takes, to get what I'm looking for.

isocyanates remember what killed all the workers in India