03-23-2010, 02:11 PM
tetters Wrote:That I need to wear a protective mask every time I do work on my layout.
I don't know. Something has changed, before, for as long as I could remember, I could do sanding, painting, etc... and no problem. However, recently, I found that if I didn't wear one... I didn't feel so good after wards. I have found out that after years of being allergy free, I have developed heredity allergies that everyone else in my family has, mainly dust & pollen allergies.
I know this all sounds painfully awfully obvious, but the last couple of nights, I have put a mask on while doing, well, mainly everything on my layout. It's really been hard, because, I was staying away from working on the layout until I could get checked out. My doc, who knows myself and my family history, basically told me I needed to change my habits, mask etc... It didn't help that with the winter months I've had the windows shut tight to keep the cold out.
So yeah... just felt like I needed to share this. Otherwise, working with the mask on, opening the WINDOWS... I can get stuff done without feeling like a bag of hammers after about an hour or so.
I use this one from Lee Valley. Excellent mask with cartridges that remove dust, pollen, and solvents. Luckily I have a good supply of replacement filters, as it looks like it is discontinued.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=31234&cat=1,42207,42220">http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx ... 2207,42220</a><!-- m -->
Since there are Lee Valley stores in and around Toronto, I'd suggest that you go and see them and try on a few. If it's not comfortable, you won't wear it...! If you can't get there in person, you might consider this one:
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If it is strictly dust and pollen to deal with, this one provides a much better seal than the standard paper ones with the metal nose bridge:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=62081&cat=1,42207,43647">http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx ... 2207,43647</a><!-- m -->
Hope that helps.
Andrew