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filter face masks (fwd)

updated thu 9 dec 99

 

Elke Blodgett on sat 4 dec 99



from Monona
Date: Fri, 3 Dec 1999 15:48:58 EST
From: ACTSNYC@cs.com
Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks (fwd)


>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Fri, 3 Dec 1999 08:54:04 EST
> From: Shirley Samuelson
> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks
> Resent-Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks
> >----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> >I have heard that 3M produces a disposable face mask that is adequate for
> >mixing glazes. Can someone provide me with the model number.
> >Laurie Cowell,
> >Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

> Laurie, I think what you want is the 3M 8110. These were recommended in an
> article on respirators a few months back, I think in _Pottery Making_. I
> bought a box of 20 for about $16--8110S (smaller size) and they work well.
> I find them much more comfortable than a full, cannister-loaded respirator,
> especially since I wear glasses. Little air gets through though so you do
> have to take a breather occasionally.
> Shirley Samuelson

I think you mean the old 3M 8710. As far as I know this mask is no longer
made and it is not acceptable in the workplace under the OSHA regulations.
The 8710 will not capture the very fine respirable dusts present in some clay
and glaze chemicals.

The new masks all have different ratings based on their ability to capture
0.3 micron particles. These are 95 (= 95% of 0.3 micron particles), 99 (=99%
of 0.3 micron particles), and 100 (=99.97% of 0.3 micron particles). The
100s are needed for the really fine dusts in some pigments, colorants, and
silica flour. They are also required when the dust has a TLV of 0.05mg/m3 or
less. This means they must be used when the dust contains silica in the
cristobalite form, for lead, cadmium, chromates, cobalt, and similarly toxic
stuff.

Then they come three different series: N, R, and P

N = can't be used in places where there is oil mist and should be discarded
after 8 hours of use. Since oil is unlikely in a pottery, these are OK.

R = can be used if oil mist is present but also should be thrown away after 8
hours use. OK also for the pottery.

P= can be used if oil mist is present and can be worn until it is full of
dust (usually perceived as feeling that the mask is a little harder to
breathe through), is dirty, damaged, or in any way is not sealing well to the
face. OK also for the pottery and the top of the line.

I usually only suggest what type of mask to use when I know a lot about the
materials you use, how you work, etc. But usually N100s or P100s will do
the best job depending on whether or not you can be trusted to take the mask
off carefully and store it undamaged in a plastic bag between uses. People
who are rough on the masks would do better with the N series that are thrown
away after 8 hours.

If you still have some of the old 8710s, they are pretty much like the N95.
It's OK for big dust, but I wouldn't use it for really fine dust or for the
highly toxic metals.

And none of these masks are really good for high concentrations. For
example, most clay mixing operations will need the cartridge respirator with
the P100 filters in them.

I don't even like recommending masks at all for people who are not employed.
How are your going to get the medical check and a professional fit test that
OSHA requires? If it doesn't really seal tight to the face, you are only
fooling yourself.


Monona Rossol
ACTS
181 Thompson St., # 23
NYC NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062

ACTSNYC@cs.com

ACTSNYC@cs.com on mon 6 dec 99


> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 10:51:39 EST
> From: Raku Boy
> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks
> Resent-Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> There is a disposable face mask that 3m makes that is suitable for
> mixing glazes I believe. It filters out organic vapors with charcoal -

Geez, I hope I'm misinterpreting what you are saying here. An organic vapor
cartridge is not useful for glaze mixing. You need a particulate filter, not
one for organic vapors.

SNIP

Monona Rossol
ACTS
181 Thompson St. # 23
NYC NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062

ACTSNYC@cs.com

Raku Boy on tue 7 dec 99

Nope - was just saying that that's about the best 3m(disposable) mask I know
of.

But I think everyone would agree that half-masks are worth the money and
will probably save you money in the long run.

Why take any chances?

(That's also what I said in the first e-mail)

- John Christensen

Original message----------------------------
> > There is a disposable face mask that 3m makes that is suitable
>for
> > mixing glazes I believe. It filters out organic vapors with charcoal -
>
>Geez, I hope I'm misinterpreting what you are saying here. An organic
>vapor
>cartridge is not useful for glaze mixing. You need a particulate filter,
>not
>one for organic vapors.
>
>SNIP
>
>Monona Rossol
>ACTS
>181 Thompson St. # 23
>NYC NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062
>
>ACTSNYC@cs.com
>
>

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ACTSNYC@cs.com on tue 7 dec 99



> --------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1999 15:52:19 EST
> From: Veena Raghavan <75124.2520@compuserve.com>
> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks
> Resent-Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi Cindy,
> I read your post, Monona's, and all the others with great interest.
> I want to get a cartridge filter mask, but my problem is where does one
> find different sizes. All the listings I have seen are for one size only.
> The other problem is where can one test it out for fit. Most of these come
> in sealed packages, so there is no way to try them on. <

Unfortunately, when you try one one, you have contaminated it for the next
user. Then it can't be sold. So stores can't let you do this.

> Any good advice on how to find a small size mask and how to try it
> on for fit would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks in advance.
> Veena
> Veena Raghavan
> 75124.2520@compuserve.com
>
There are a few companies that make two or three sizes. However, they are
just can't be designed to fit everybody. If an employer has his employees
fit tested, he is likely to find he has an employee or two that can't get a
proper fit. These people either have to do other work or be fitted with much
more expensive air-powered or air-supplied systems.

Monona Rossol
ACTS
181 Thompson St., # 23
NYC NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062

ACTSNYC@cs.com

Dave Finkelnburg on tue 7 dec 99

Monona,
Good point that plain, vanilla, organic vapor cartridges don't filter
particulates. You need a cartridge specifically rated for particulates to
do that.
MSA does make a "Combination Cartridge" which is in fact rated for
organic vapors, pesticices, paint, some other things, AND particulates.
Usual disclaimer--I have no relationship in any way with MSA. Just thought
someone might want to know about this.
Dave Finkelnburg

-----Original Message-----
From: ACTSNYC@cs.com
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Date: Monday, December 06, 1999 1:51 PM
Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks (fwd)


>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>> Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 10:51:39 EST
>> From: Raku Boy
>> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
>> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
>> Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks
>> Resent-Subject: Re: Filter Face Masks
>> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>> There is a disposable face mask that 3m makes that is suitable
for
>> mixing glazes I believe. It filters out organic vapors with charcoal -
>
>Geez, I hope I'm misinterpreting what you are saying here. An organic
vapor
>cartridge is not useful for glaze mixing. You need a particulate filter,
not
>one for organic vapors.
>
>SNIP
>
>Monona Rossol
>ACTS
>181 Thompson St. # 23
>NYC NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062
>
>ACTSNYC@cs.com
>

ababy sharon on wed 8 dec 99

Now I become complitly mixed up!

The supplier of 3M offered me as a disposable respirator, T2 ,69 2 2. Sounds
good. But
he said that there was a problam with my beard.What about the "Beard
Carrier" kind of potters? Is there any solution for us except taking off our
lovly beards, or ... having fun with the Silica Lithium and other friends?
Ababi