The stuff sure turns nice seats, but smells to high heaven. Anybody know what the chemical is that's coming off and if there is a cartridge that will take it out of the air I'm breathing? I'm using one of the AOS masks with a cartridge that says its for organic fumes (can't remember the number). It seems to help, but I can still smell the stuff.
Thanks

Same with Corian. I had some sort of mask on with dual cartridges, and oh boy did it have a distinct aroma.

Brian,

The acrylic is more than likely an acetate base. It does have a pretty bad smell. As for your respirator if you are still smelling the fumes it could be because of a few different things. The cartridges could be spent, meaning they just plain old don't work anymore. If the cartiges are new it could be the fit of the mask. To test the fit cover the cartridges without putting presure on the mask and inhale. If you have a good fit the mask will suck down around your face not letting any air in. If you have a bad fit air will enter the masks at the leak points usually around the nose area. An improper fit is usually the thing that causes what you are describing. Try readjusting the fit, gently cover the cartridges and exhale gently, then inhale to check the fit again. With a proper fit, the mask should suck down around your face tightly.

The cartridges, if you are using the organic vapor you are on the right track. If you want more protection some mfgr's make pre filter accessories that snap over the cartriges. 3M #6000 series masks are decent cartridge style respirators and pretty fair priced. You should be able to pick one up at an industrial supply house with cartridges for under $30. A small price to pay to save your lungs and life.

Hope this helps

Regards

Scott

Also facial hair(beard) could affect the seal of the mask.I used to spray up to 5 gals of Dupont Centari back in the day and would be able to see where the mask was leaking by the paint streaks on my face when the mask was removed.When I had a beard the hair was the leak point so off it went.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

FReddy, you trying to tell me something? lol. THanks.

Brian,
You will need to get the YELLOW filter cartridges for your face mask. The yellow ones are for Acid Gas and Organic Vapors. Get an N95 or N100. These have specially treated activated carbon which absorbs certain gases and/or vapors at 95 to 100% filtration effeciency. If I were you I would use a full face respirator. That way you protect your lungs from the fumes and your whole face from flying debris. But a full face respirator isn't cheap. It's free for me because I work at a chemical plant. ;)

Put the mask on with out the filters. Put your hand over the filter inlets and inhale to test for proper fit. You can also, with the filters on, put your hand over the outlet and exhale to feel for positive pressure for a proper fit. As mentioned above a beard will effect the sealing around the face. That's why we can't have beards at all in our plant. But we do work with some sure 'nough BAD stuff.

Many, if not all, mining operations prohibit employes from having beards for that very reason.

If you plan to work with this stuff a lot and want a full face shield, this is probably the best available.

[www.woodcraft.com]

Billy,
I was going to mention you by name but didnt want to offend you. LOL

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/05/2006 07:22PM by Fred Yarmolowicz.