Ok, after getting my first Permagloss headache I'm paying more attention to the fumes. I've done a thorough search on this forum and learned of the dangers of Xylene.

Question: Within reason (meaning not multiple hundred $$ masks if there are such critters), what's the best respirator mask for Permagloss?

Thanks!
Mo

When I was a painting contractor, I had reason to wear those things frequently. I have to say that the Survivair worked the best and was the most comfortable. The cartridges are rather pricey and will go about the business of purifying the neighborhood while you are not wearing your mask, thus ending their effectiveness, so it is a good idea to remove them from the mask and seal them into Ziploc bags when not in use. You probably don't need the pre-filters since you are not atomizing your finish, and the VOC (volatile organic carbon) filters are all you need.

You can probably find one on-line, but I know you can pick one up at any paint store or Home Depot for about $50.




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/08/2007 09:05PM by Bill Lane.

The purple VOC cartridges according to OSHA guidlines deperndent on ppm per 8 hr day...use proper ventilation and common sense in reality.(ie don't hover over the fumes)

........solution to pollution is dillution.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and tylonol

.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/09/2007 12:38AM by Michael Joyce.

Thanks guys. Bill, do you know what model Survivair you used? I went on @#$%& and there were plenty of Survivair HALF mask for pretty cheap. Under $10 it seems? And various cartridges too. Not sure what types.

Thanks in advance for any clarification.

Mo

Purple cartridges are NOT for organic vapors. Purple cartridges are P-100 (also known as HEPA) cartridges which are filters for particulates (dusts, mists, and fumes). Vapors are not particulates and will pass directly through a filter.

Whatever brand, you want a cartridge that is rated for Organic Vapors. With Survivair and many other brands, that is the black cartridge.
[www.survivair.com]

Personally and professionally, I like the North brand half-mask respirators... the 7700 series.

The cartridge will eventually get saturated, allowing vapors to break through, and will require replacement.

In the workplace, OSHA requires employers to establish change-out schedules to predict when cartridges will go bad and change them before breakthrough occurs. As a home-user, and because xylene has good warning properties (i.e. you smell it fairly easily... long before it's a hazard), I'd advise you to change the cartridge if you smell xylene when you have the respirator on.

Of course the best way of protecting yourself is to provide good ventilation, but I realize this isn't usually feasible in the home.

Erik

Mo

As Erik stated, the vapor cartridges are usually black. (by the way...paints don't release fumes... Vapors are the result of eVAPORation... I had that drilled into me as an apprentice LOL.) I still think the easiest thing to do is to visit a paint store depending on where you live. In San Diego, there is a Sherwin Williams, Dunn-EDWARDS, Home Depot, or Frazee in every neighborhood corner and they always have everything you need.

Bill... glad that whole Fume versus Vapor thing got through to you. As an Industrial Hygienist, I used to do a ton of respirator training, which always included pounding on that concept.

THANKS to all. Clear.

And thanks for the reminder. I do have good ventilation in my basement. However, I've never done a threadless where I had so much exposure in a day which is where my headache came from. Previously, it's just two coats at most and I'm done - in and out. Threadless took a lot more permagloss which showed that my 'whole basement' venting fan was still not enough even though I had a nice light breeze.

Thanks again.
Mo

Will these masks work if you are irritated by 2 part epoxy - glues or finishes?

Thanks,
Marc

Marc, I believe the irritation with epoxies is a allergic reaction to them. It triggers the allergic reaction by contact (fumes or physical contact) with the skin anywhere on the body. So, no, the respirators won't solve the epoxy allergy problem.

Putter
Williston, ND

Marc, it depends on what kind of epoxy or glue you are working with. The 2-part epoxies have significant odors often have amine-based hardners, and it is the amines that are causing the odors. In that case, an amine cartridge would be appropriate. For varnishes it is organic vapors. For superglue it is acrylates. Just depends on the material you are talking about.

The multi-purpose cartridges sold by most manufacturers (usually a drab yellow/green color) are designed for multiple different contaminants including amines, organic vapors, and several other specificy types of contaminants. These would be your best bet, but be advised that they do not protect against everything. You need to know what the contaminants are in order to properly select a cartridge. Follow the manufacturers instructions for use.

Also, if there is a material you are working with that is bothersome to you, call the manufacturer or hop on the internet and get the Material Safety Data Sheet so that you know what is in the product, and what the vapors are made of so that you can protect yourself accordingly.

It doesn't sound like this is the case, but if you are sensitized to epoxy hardners to the point where you experience an allergic-type reaction, then you would best avoid the use of those epxoxies you are sensitized to all together as respiratory exposure is only one exposure route, and dermal contact can cause the reaction just as well. Follow your Doctor's advise if that's the case.

Erik

Thanks Erik,

I don't have any allergic reactions, but am more concerned about long-term effects from using the stuff if that makes a difference. Anyone know what the large rod manufacturers do, as they have people that work with epoxy glues and finishes for a living?

Thanks,
Marc

Rod Building Origin of the Species

Testors glue building model airplanes as a kid -

Hydrogen sulfide / benzene / VCM / chlorine in the oil field and refineries for 20 years -

Tank trucks of epoxy resins with cresol for 10 years -

Radiation from nukes for 10 years -

Epoxies 10 years in rodbuilding lead to severe sensitization: Check this out -

[www.dermnetnz.org]

My arms and legs are not a pretty sight -

Epoxy ran me to Perma Gloss -

Perma Gloss the final straw - even smells better than the Testors!

I made it this far and am now @#$%& air through a respirator.

I guess I am extremely lucky to be typing this note -

Take care and work safely in good air and use the correct safety equipment.

Gon Fishn





Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/09/2007 06:17PM by Bill Stevens.

marc morrone Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Anyone know
> what the large rod manufacturers do, as they have
> people that work with epoxy glues and finishes for
> a living?

Well I think the majority are built offshore. No doubt a lot of mechanization when possible too.

I know that in the guitar world, I've seen sprayer using full suits with internal air supply. I'm not sure if they do that with rods manufacturing.....:)

Mo

Anyone that is having amine sensitivity issues, or is concerned about them, should look very hard at Diamondite. It is a very good finish - it is NOT an epoxy and it contains no amines.

Thanks Jim -

I'll order up some Diamondite today!!!

Thanks,
Marc

I have not been on the forum for a while so I am Behind
Here is the Q
Is Diamondite a Permagloss and what other brands are?
Looking for something for the threadless guide