zx250 Posted March 10, 2017 Report Share Posted March 10, 2017 How many people wear a respirator when pouring soft plastics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 10, 2017 Report Share Posted March 10, 2017 I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slammingjack Posted March 10, 2017 Report Share Posted March 10, 2017 Me as well, plus fans . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsworms Posted March 10, 2017 Report Share Posted March 10, 2017 I was the dummy who poured in shorts, tank top, and no respirator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Driftwood Posted March 10, 2017 Report Share Posted March 10, 2017 Always wear mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rixon529 Posted March 10, 2017 Report Share Posted March 10, 2017 (edited) Over the years on this forum many have commented that pouring without a respirator resulted in bloody noses, chronic coughing, severe headaches, blurred vision, etc. These health issues were resolved when they started using a respirator during their pouring sessions... Except for skin contact with hot liquid plastisol, in my mind the most serious incident which can occur is the overheating and burning of plastisol. As I understand it, if heated to the point of burning, it will release (among other things) chlorine gas, which can become hydrochloric acid if it comes in contact with moisture. If you inhale chlorine gas, the moisture present in the tissues of your nose, mouth, and lungs is sufficient to cause the reaction which can result in tissue damage and chemical pneumonia. Now, I'm no chemical engineer, but no one will ever be able to convince me that during the normal heating process from room temperature to 300+ degrees, there is not some (no matter how small) chemical breakdown which produces potentially harmful gaseous products that likely will cause health damage over time. Many will say, "I've been doing this for umpty-ump years without using a respirator and there's nothing wrong with me!" To those who can make that statement - more power to them, but I would rather err on the side of caution. Personally, I have enough health issues at 60+ years old that I don't want to risk additional problems. I want to protect whatever good health I may have remaining... Protection of lungs, etc are worth the $30 investment for a respirator. Just as a quick reference, see "How can PVC affect my health?" at https://toxtowm.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=84 All that being said, I personally believe the bottom line is: A RESPIRATOR IS NOT AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY, BUT RATHER PROTECTION FROM POSSIBLE INJURY. THE CHOICE IS YOURS. Just my $0.02... Rick Edited March 10, 2017 by rixon529 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walking Dead Posted March 10, 2017 Report Share Posted March 10, 2017 Again, recommend one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 12, 2017 Report Share Posted March 12, 2017 Where did you find those gasketed goggles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 12, 2017 Report Share Posted March 12, 2017 Just now, mark poulson said: Where did you find those gasketed goggles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Baze Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 I use a fan , an exhaust fan and a mask and could still smell the plastic today ! Getting a new mask tomorrow like the one Walking Dead has ! Can't be too careful in my opinion . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walking Dead Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 8 hours ago, mark poulson said: Where did you find those gasketed goggles? Amazon, bought two so I can keep them rotated and clean. Tight seal around the face to keep the fumes from the eyes and just in case I have a splash. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 13, 2017 Report Share Posted March 13, 2017 15 hours ago, Walking Dead said: Amazon, bought two so I can keep them rotated and clean. Tight seal around the face to keep the fumes from the eyes and just in case I have a splash. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...