Masks? We don' need no stinkin' masks! Or do we?

[Almost Gothic]

I just posted a similar question over yonder in ye olde Boro Room, but I'm wondering - when do I need to be wearing a mask when working with glass? When melting silver wire? I am pretty sure when fuming. When working with glass powders/enamels? How about when working with a reducing rod like from Double Helix, they have lots of silver and copper colors in them. Thank you in advance! :love:

[patienthand]

if you are using powders, wear a RESPIRATOR not just a mask.

Candice

[NMLinda]

I use a respirator when fuming, working with silver or copper inclusions or working with frits or poweders.

Linda

[ROC]

Although we're not supposed to need them for regular soft glass, I find my head doesn't get stuffed up if I wear one. It's a bit of a nuisance and gets hot in the summer, but I'm kind of hung up on that whole being able to breathe concept, so I wear one. Just like eyes, I have only one set of lungs, and I really want them to last a lifetime.

[jillybead]

I wear a respirator all the time. I have a ventilation system, but am just very cautious with my health. Don't want my love of glass to make me sick! A person just needs to be careful!

[Rudy]

I'm with ROC & jillybead! It's a bit of a nuisance, but I rather deal with a nuisance now, and not a health problem later. Besides, after a while, you get used to it, and it's no longer a big deal. My ritual now automatically includes slapping that baby on! : - ))

[Karen Hardy]

I use a respirator when fuming, working with silver or copper inclusions or working with frits or poweders.

Linda

This. And I have a huge Glasscraft fan that is running all the time.
You only have one set of lungs - protect them!

[Almost Gothic]

What kind of mask do you guys wear? I have tried the N95, is that what most everyone uses?

[NMLinda]

The N100 or P100 are the grades most recommended for what we do, especially for fuming.

Linda

[GlassyEyedGirl]

I use the 3M #2097 "P100 with nuisance level organic vapor protection" filters on a 3M half mask. All the time.

[Almost Gothic]

Beth, does yours look like this? It's the 3M 7500 series.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41vWcG0IvrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

[GlassyEyedGirl]

Alexis - Not exactly but pretty close. I think I have the 5500 or 6500 model. But I believe they all work similarly depending of course on which filters you use.

[Almost Gothic]

Thank you everyone for the recommendations. I just bought the mask and filters below from Amazon.

3M 7500 Series Ultimate Half Face Respirator - Small
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31x8J7VJAuL._SX100_.jpg

3M Particulate Filter 2097, P100, with nuisance level organic vapor relief
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Lc3l7DZSL._SY100_.jpg

[GlassyEyedGirl]

Alexis, how do you like the respirator?

[PurpleCatJewels]

I was wondering today if there are "fumes" from regular ol' soft glass that cannot be detected/smelled that might be dangerous. Just because I don't see well and tend to get "right in there" when working on small details. I have had headaches but have no idea what the cause is. I don't know if I can wear a respirator, I can barely stand to wear sleeves! (O.C.D.)

[GlassyEyedGirl]

I was more worried about the combustion fumes of the torch, but the filters I have also help with particles. (enamels etc.)

[Abacus Beads]

I have asthma (sp?) so I must wear a respirator. combine years of smoking and grooming dogs my lungs are in real iffy shape but I seem to have no problems as long as I keep that respirator on my face.
Liz R

[Mr. Meker]

Would this be a good respirator?
http://www.harborfreight.com/p95-maintenance-free-dual-cartridge-respirator-66554.html