Lungs

[Frank&Earnest]

It's a small world. I went to see a lung specialist this morning and he turned out to be a hobby woodworker also. Obvious question: how does he protect his lungs? Unexpected but if you think of it, obvious answer: by putting on a surgical mask. Overkill, because it is meant to stop viruses, but at 0.1 micron no dust is going to come in at all, and they are made to be worn for a long time without making you feel terrible. Next obvious question: are they ridiculously expensive? No, about $48 for a pack of 20 and each lasts for weeks, depending on usage.

The ones he uses are 3M #1870 but a quick googling found others purportedly at the same N95 standard (used in mines etc) for about half that price.

I would like to have known that before shelling about $300 for the Triton respirator more than a year ago. I am reasonably happy with it but it is quite cumbersome. Don't remember the surgical mask solution having been mentioned when I looked in the forum then, but it seems to make a lot of sense to me. Any comments?

[Charleville]

Many thanks for that info.

It seems to me that a surgical mask would be heaps more comfortable and cooler than the paper masks sold in hardware shops and a whole lot more effective.

.

[Ozkaban]

wow, kinda obvious when you think about it but I certainly never did.

Thanks for posting the info.

Cheers,
Dave

[AUSSIE]

YEH -- look after the lungs guys.
My wife had a lung out many years ago( from smoking they said) ,and it breaks my heart everyday.Not good.

[46150]

Thanks for the info FandE...where do you purchase them...Chemist?...Regards......AL

[rsser]

Might work.

The thing about the Triton, Airshield etc is that they create positive pressure with filtered air inside the visor. With a strap-on mask, the risk is drawing in dusty air around the edges.

[Frank&Earnest]

Thanks for the info FandE...where do you purchase them...Chemist?...Regards......AL

No Al, medical suppliers, but there are plenty on sale on the net. I ordered 6 of the 1870 on special from Amazon, before being told that they do not deliver them here. There is a site that flogs off stock remnants etc. which at the moment has some less expensive ones. Tomorrow I'll look on the yellow pages and make a couple of phone calls before trying the net.

[Frank&Earnest]

Might work.

The thing about the Triton, Airshield etc is that they create positive pressure with filtered air inside the visor. With a strap-on mask, the risk is drawing in dusty air around the edges.

Yes, that crossed my mind. But if that was a real risk, would that not defeat their original purpose in surgery? Viruses would come in more easily than dust. :?

[rsser]

What's the risk in breathing in a virus?

Any case, I'm not sure that hospitals are a model of Health and Safety. Acc to one press report more folk die of golden staph acquired in a hospital than do on the roads each year in Aus. Two thirds of implants/inserts - like plates and joints - are contaminated with some variety of microbe. (When my pins plates and wires were inserted over Xmas on each occasion I was given a horse syringe dose of antibiotics).

[Frank&Earnest]

What's the risk in breathing in a virus?



Death?

[NeilS]

Beards are a problem with any face fitting mask. Positive air pressure helmets/masks help overcome this problem.

.....

[Frank&Earnest]

Beards are a problem with any face fitting mask. Positive air pressure helmets/masks help overcome this problem.

.....
Good point. The specialist was clean shaven. That could be a big sacrifice to make... Did not somebody say that Triton's 0.8 micron filter is not enough to filter out the really dangerous stuff, though? Maybe we could cut up small pieces of the mask to stuff up our nostrils and our mouth? :oo::D

[tea lady]

:think: Aren't surgical masks meant to be protecting the patient for "doctor germs"? although I guess they work the other way too. :shrug: They would be similar to those "dust be gone" washable masks that Jim has wouldn't they?

[RedShirtGuy]

How would they go for fumes? Both chemical and *ahem* man made ;)

[Frank&Earnest]

How would they go for fumes? Both chemical and *ahem* man made ;)

I see we had similar negative experiences due to inadequate positioning of the air inlet. :D

Yes, they should stop "particulates" in fumes also. Don't know if that would stop the smell, though. :D

Another thought: if they are also used in mines they should be good enough for our sheds, shouldn't they? Nowadays mines have rather stringent OH&S requirements, would you say better than hospitals, Ern? :wink:

Corollary: are all miners clean shaven like the surgeons? :?

[rsser]

Yes, silica dust is a nasty.

Like TL I've imagined surgeon's masks as intercepting the products of a sneeze so protecting the patient.

Any case, the particulate size ratings of filters is normally expressed as a gradient; eg filters 80% of n micron particles.

Some guff on filtration standards and leakage rates here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respirator).

[issatree]

Hi to F/ G & all,
I have just received my New Mask From the USA, last night, with Grateful Thanks to Sir Stinkalot for his know how of how to get them. 4 of us bought them @ $50ea.
They are; 3M 7503/37083, Half Facepiece, Silicone, Large.
Came with 2 ( bright pink ) P100 Particulate Filters ; 3M 2091/07000.
We believe we can obtain extra Filters in Australia.
There is a heap of paper work to read & in all Languages.
Has a Plastic piece that sits on top of your head, with 10mm. wide Elastic Straps.
Had it on for a little while & seems quite comfortable .
I'm sorry as I'm unable to get Photos on here. Will really have to try harder to accomplish this action.

I have a Demo on Turning to do on Sat. 24th. April,at Koonung Woodies, Vic.Melb. so I will be able to show them the Mask. Well made, but unable to talk with it on.
Thems the breaks.

Sir Stinkalot may put some Pic up of it.
Regards,
issatree.
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[rsser]

Well acc to Wikipedia, if you can trust it,


Simple surgical masks protect wearers from being splashed in the mouth with body fluids. They also remind wearers not to touch their mouth or nose, which could otherwise transfer viruses and bacteria after having touched a contaminated surface (fomite). They can also reduce the spread of infectious droplets (carrying bacteria or viruses) that are created when the wearer coughs or sneezes. They are not designed to protect the wearer from inhaling such particles. They will trap some particles but are much less effective than respirators, which are designed for this purpose.
Source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_mask).

[rsser]

issatree, a google returned this image, without cartridges

[Charleville]

I posted a copy of Frank&Ernest's first post on the fishing website that I frequent because a lot of tradies also participate in the forums on that site.

Here is a useful response from one of them ...

"We have been using the surgical masks since the mid 90's.
We were introduced to them when I was doing some volunteer work for the Correctives Services Ladies Work program out here.
I offered assistance to teach the girls/ladies woodwork and they got the masks for scheme.
They make the world of difference when your using them. They are so comfortable for long term usage, and because of that, you tend to use them more. That's got to be good for the lungs.
But I still have the respirator for painting, making sinkers and the such. Fumes go through the surgical masks."




.

[rsser]

Most industrial users of filters that I've seen are wearing the half mask type that issatree's bought along with the appropriate cartridges - of which there are a number of diff types acc to purpose.

I frankly find them hot and uncomfortable not least cos a beard requires they be tightly strapped on.

[Charleville]

Someone on the fishing website has just pointed out to me that cotton surgical face masks are available very cheaply at DealExtreme: $1.91 Disposable Sterile Cotton Medicinal Safety Surgical Face Masks (10-Mask Pack) (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21575)


I cannot vouch for the quality of these masks but I have bought a fair bit of stuff from Deal Extreme and they can be quite cheap on other things like electronic connectors, rare earth magnets and a host of other stuff.

The postage from China is free so they are usually dirt cheap and reliable to deal with.


.

[brendan stemp]

This reminds me of a recent incident I heard about. A mate of mine (a woodturner) was at a wood show and commented to another woodturner about the fact he was sanding without wearing any dust protection. Later that same bloke (the one not wearing dust protection) caught my mate outside sucking heavily on a cigarette!

[issatree]

Hi rrser,
Yes that is the Mask we all bought.
A bit late this morning, so I will have a go this arvo.
Regards,
issatree.
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[jimbur]

How times have changed!
I was looking at the Frank Pain book on woodturning published in 1957 and he seemed to think there was no problems with dust other than some people being allergic. He commented that he had grown fat on it.
In fairness to him I suppose his lathes were slower and he wouldn't have used as much of the problem woods that we have in Australia.
Perhaps wearing a mask would help people to realise that you are in the middle of a delicate operation and don't want to be interrupted.:U
Cheers,
Jim

[rsser]

Which would be a good thing! I usually jump when someone walks into the shed while I'm lost in the turning.

While we now have a lot more data on the dust-disease connection, it was known 40 or more years ago. And WRC and some other North American timbers can be pretty toxic. A useful summary can be found here (http://healthfully.org/eoh/id1.html).

As with asbestos fibres, it used to be thought there was a safe level of exposure.

The binder in MDF is also pretty toxic.

Apologies for banging on about the risk but in my book a properly rated filtered visor or mask is needed along with an air scrubber, as the smallest particles are the most dangerous, are invisible and float around in a workshop for hours.

And I confess that while I take these precautions and more in the shed, I still like a smoke, like Brendan's mate.

[Frank&Earnest]

Apologies for banging on about the risk but in my book a properly rated filtered visor or mask is needed along with an air scrubber, as the smallest particles are the most dangerous, are invisible and float around in a workshop for hours.



So, to summarise:
-the respirator only filters to 0.8 micron and it is cumbersome, so when one nips into the shed for five minutes gets 100% of whatever pollutant is lurking there because he/she can not be bothered to put it on, and when one manages to keep it on for a longer period, 100% of the dangerous stuff still goes through;

- the surgical mask can filter all the dangerous stuff out but is only partially effective, let's say 80% for clean shaven people and 60% for bearded ones. It is easy to put on and take off so it can easily become a habit even for short shed sessions.

Short of equipping the air inlet of the respirator with a 0.1 micron filter (assuming it would still work), leaving it out of the shed and religiously putting it on every time one enters it, other solutions are compromises.

On these odds, I still think the mask is a better bet. Any thoughts?

[rsser]

LOL, I value your critical approach Frank. Your academic training has stood you in good stead.

First off, anything over the mouth and nose is better than nothing clearly.

I don't understand your first dot point. What 'respirator' are you referring to?

Second dot point: I can't see how you can estimate leakage for a device that's not 'fitted' and may only be intended to stop explosive 'outflow'.

[Frank&Earnest]

LOL, I value your critical approach Frank. Your academic training has stood you in good stead.

Yes, good for a laugh every now and then, isn't it? :D

First off, anything over the mouth and nose is better than nothing clearly.

That's it. No point having something better if it is not used.

I don't understand your first dot point. What 'respirator' are you referring to?

Triton or similar, your "positive pressure" type, whatever Wikipedia considers "more effective".

Second dot point: I can't see how you can estimate leakage for a device that's not 'fitted' and may only be intended to stop explosive 'outflow'.

It was just an hypothesis for the sake of the example, but leakage is less than 100% by definition. Just as a guess, I think that if we start with the proportion area of the filter /area of the gap around it and allow for sucking in more freely from the unimpeded leak than from the filtered area we should get to some ballpark figure like that, but it is pure speculation.

[bobsreturn2003]

i found when i removed my ear muffs from the triton and sealed the holes it became a lot more user friendly . still clunky though cheers Bob

[Pagie]

Sorry guys, but I work as a theatre technician in an operating room and the purpose of the mask is so the spit from the wearer does not fall into the patient. Also so that squirting blood and other fluids from the patient don't end up in your face, mouth, eyes... we also have to wear eye protection to prevent splashes into the eyes. The masks used in all major hospitals will not stop dust.. I have tried.. they just do not seal around the edges at all.

[Frank&Earnest]

With all respect for your professional experience, Glenlara, you are talking about something else. The N95 standard is there to protect the wearer from airborne particulates. Refer to:

UNC Department of Environment, Health & Safety: Training (http://ehs.unc.edu/training/self_study/n95/index.shtml)

on how to achieve a proper fit, because "Respirators are only effective when the seal around your nose and mouth is tight. If you cannot achieve proper fit, do not enter the isolation or treatment area. Consult your supervisor."

Are we maybe losing track of the fact that it was a specialist physician who suggested it in the first place?

[issatree]

Hi All Again,
I am sitting here writing to you all with my New Mask on, as I never got a chance today.
Well it is working OK, but the Nose Piece just sits a little high, & you can just see it.
There is a little bit of Smog ? on my Glasses, but nothing to worry about, as it is getting a little colder.

Hey rrser, I also have a Beard, almost the same as yours, & I'm confident that this will work out OK for me

The funny part of this mask is the Chin part, as you lift your head it pulls a bit tight, on ones Chin.

I've only had it on 15 mins. & that is no proper test, but I will keep you all updated on how I go with " THE MASK ".
Regards,
issatree.
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[Frank&Earnest]

Hey rrser, I also have a Beard, almost the same as yours, & I'm confident that this will work out OK for me



Sorry Issatre, but the problem is the same with reusable masks as with disposable ones. The user instructions of your model state:


Note: Do not use with beards or other facial hair or other conditions that prevent a good seal between the face and the faceseal of the respirator. To help maintain a good seal between the face and the faceseal all hair, hoods, or other equipment must be kept out of respirator faceseal area at all times.

This said, considering that hopefully we are not going to breath in the Ebola virus, we could probably be happy with some level of leakage.

[RETIRED]

I think Glenlara was right.
2 surgeon friends of mine also agree. At least in Australia.



Q&A
Face masks in operating theatres
Question
What are the reasons for wearing face masks in operating
theatres, and do they actually serve any purpose?
Carl Dougliss, senior operating department practitioner (theatres),
Cannock Chase Hospital, Cannock
Answer
To prevent bacteria entering the patient. Aerobic bacteria such as
Streptococcus species—normal flora of the human nasal cavity—can
pass into the bloodstream of the patient as a result of the surgeon
sneezing or even breathing. Other species of bacteria from the
oral cavity can also enter the bloodstream, causing diseases such
as cardiac infection.
Htoo Aung Wei, student, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Answer
Isn’t it to prevent surgeons from breathing on or sneezing into
the operating field? However, I don’t know of any relevant
randomised controlled trials.
Markus Gulich, department of general practice, University of Ulm, Ulm,
Germany
Answer
Face masks are used in operating theatres, mainly to prevent the
transfer of infections between patient and surgeon. Unless a mask
is worn, blood or other secretions from the patient can enter the
surgeon’s mouth, maximising the chances of infection.
The funny thing about masks is that people think surgeons
wear them so that patients won’t be able to recognise them if
something goes wrong.
Suraj Khanal, medical student
Answer
The surgical mask is probably a sacred cow. See W C Beck’s
“The surgical mask: another sacred cow?” (AORN J 1992;55:955-7),
which is a good review article that cites several randomised
controlled studies on the subject and concludes with an
affirmative answer to the question. The article is in a journal
for operating room nurses, but the author is a physician,
then president emeritus of the Guthrie Foundation for
Medical Research. Still, the sacredness of sacred cows can be
durable.
Eric N Grosch, private practitioner, Largo, FL, USA
bmj.com Q&A (http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/qa-display/short/bmj_el;55896)
This exchange was posted on the Q&A section of bmj.com. If you want to
respond to the question, or ask a new question of your own, follow the
link above or go to http://bmj.com/q&a
Information in practice
BMJ

[Frank&Earnest]

That's all fine , but what these people refer to is just a rectangle of fabric covering the face, it is not a N95 respirator meant to seal nose and mouth to exclude potentially deadly pathogens.

My apologies for contributing to the confusion by referring to what is technically a "disposable N95 respirator" as a "surgical mask" in the OP. I did however make specific reference to the model and the N95 standard.

I would have thought that my later posts and links would have clarified the matter, though...:rolleyes:

The real question is: should we forego our beard for the sake of safer turning? :o
You have already sacrificed more than half of it for lesser motives....:D

[hughie]

Sorry guys, but I work as a theatre technician in an operating room and the purpose of the mask is so the spit from the wearer does not fall into the patient. Also so that squirting blood and other fluids from the patient don't end up in your face, mouth, eyes... we also have to wear eye protection to prevent splashes into the eyes. The masks used in all major hospitals will not stop dust.. I have tried.. they just do not seal around the edges at all.[/QUOTE]

I kinda figured that was the case, any I have seen, did not seem that fine as compared to other dust stopping PPE. I generally stick with p2 masks and dust collection as near to the source of generation as possible. As my new shed gets under way I will have to give serious thought as I have a couple of grandchildren in tow most days.

Darn, F&E, I did not read it as well.:doh:

[Frank&Earnest]

:D

I like the philosophy of your signature, anyway...:U

[Sharpasaknife]

Surgical masks are not to bad but after I had a face full of super fine Red Cedar and three days of washing my eyes out with salty water, I purchased a 3M Dustmaster powered respirator.Problem solved.

[Frank&Earnest]

Surgical masks are not to bad but after I had a face full of super fine Red Cedar and three days of washing my eyes out with salty water, I purchased a 3M Dustmaster powered respirator.Problem solved.

Indeed. They do not protect much from flying objects either... Horses for courses. I suppose the paradox of armour protection has been there since Adam was a boy, as Agincourt proved dramatically.

[rsser]

True. But that stuff was durable!

One issue in all this is how maintainable is the device? what's the cost of replacement filters? Eg. with half-mask particulate filters, what's the life and replacement cost of the cartridges?

[Frank&Earnest]

True. But that stuff was durable!

One issue in all this is how maintainable is the device? what's the cost of replacement filters? Eg. with half-mask particulate filters, what's the life and replacement cost of the cartridges?

Did not investigate this, maybe Issatree can tell us? The disposable ones, as I said in the OP, are about $2.50 each and can last several days. IMHO they seem to be the best option for respiratory protection because of their practicality. Because they are designed for the wearer to mould the seal to fit the face (after shaving off the beard, alas!:C) they require a bit more care each time but possibly overcome the problem to find a mask that actually fits the face well. The model you showed and Issatree bought comes in three sizes, for example, and faces come in millions of shapes....

[rsser]

Yes.

I'm stuck with beard-friendly devices. Went to a goatee once but it looked silly. And shaving is a waste of time in my book.

My partner seemed to agree when she shouted me a Trend Airshield. Primary filter is washable. 2ndaries I replace. Has replacable visor overlays to protect from chipping.

All up it's shockingly expensive. But that's vanity for you. Now superceded by the Pro model I think.

Edit: you can get a batt holder from Jaycar or the like for 3 x AA and wire it up for a replacement or a left side booster.

Vid intro here:

YouTube - Trend Airshield Review part 1 of 3 - Portable powered respirator

[Frank&Earnest]

Nice unit. Looking up the specifications and googling around, I found info contradicting what I was led to believe regarding the size of the dangerous dust. According to http://www.cregboy.com/Wood%20dust.doc the dangerous one is the medium sized one, that both the Triton and the Trend filter out, while the very fine dust is light enough to be harmless because it is breathed out after having been breathed in.

Assuming this is true, there is no added benefit going to a N95 standard and practicality becomes the predominant issue. Cost might be another one but I have not looked at it.

For example, the Trend is a all-on-your-head unit that weighs 1k without earmuffs and has a noise level of 70dB. It still relies on a seal around the face (don't you have any hair under the seal, Ern?).

The Triton helmet, on the other hand, weighs 1.18 kg including full head protection (not that we should need it), earmuffs, hood and connecting hose . The hood is not meant to be airtight but once closed is supposed to be sufficient because of the positive pressure. The filter pack is a bulky thing meant to be strapped to the waist. Noise immaterial.

IMHO the individual choice for followers of Fidel Castro fashion statements :D depends on the value given to portability, noise and how tolerant of rubber sticking to the face one is.

[rsser]

Frank, the Trend draws air in over the forehead outside and pushes it down over the face to achieve the positive pressure.

As posted elsewhere, 4 micron particle size has been found by Pfizer to nicely deliver particles to the lungs that stay there, as a new vector for vaccine delivery.

[Frank&Earnest]

Frank, the Trend draws air in over the forehead outside and pushes it down over the face to achieve the positive pressure.

Of course, sorry for not having been clear. I was not saying that the rubber seal was the essential safety feature, I was only wondering about the comfort of the rubber seal against the skin v the hood covering the head.

As posted elsewhere, 4 micron particle size has been found by Pfizer to nicely deliver particles to the lungs that stay there, as a new vector for vaccine delivery.

That is a problem. If I read the specs correctly neither respirator cuts it then, back to the N95 option. The guy who published the info for woodworkers I linked asks for feedback and corrections. Are you going to inform him?

Looks like we will not be able to save our beards after all...

EDIT
Ooops. Given the context I had read it as 0.4 micron. 4 micron is ok, that's in the medium range 1-10 micron and the respirators can handle it. It is the sub-micron stuff that's not dangerous according to that source.

[NeilS]

Seems to me it's all about risk management. As I'm at considerable risk, (a No 4) according to my own risk scale here (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/breathing-masks-88591/index2.html#post891557), I take the matter quite seriously.

So, I'm into the best I can manage with various positive pressure full helmet HEPA filters (details here (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/breathing-masks-88591/index2.html#post892220) and more here (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/do-professional-woodturners-here-use-powered-respirators-73490/#post748248)), and a high efficiency cyclone.

Attached is an Sydney Uni study which has some relevance to the topic, just in case anyone doubts the dangers. The purpose of the research was “To investigate occupational exposure to wood dust and biohazards associated with wood dust, their correlation to respiratory function, and symptoms among woodworkers.”

If you are currently in good respiratory health, have a family history of good lung function, and won't be getting much exposure to wood dust of the wrong types in the future, then you just might be able to ignore the risk. But, then....

Stay healthy.

.....

[Billy]

At work we use P2 dust masks for particulates. The brands are MSA and Drager.
They have a plastic exhalation valve at the front which makes breathing a lot easier, they fit to all our head shapes well and are comfortable for long time wearing.
As none of us have beards I cant say how they'd go in that situation.
I use them at home when belt sanding and sanding on the lathe.
They do not provide fume protection.
As you would expect, being a government department we pay a fortune for them but I have seen them on ebay very cheap, in boxes of 10. Usually come from fibreglass/surfboard manufacturing suppliers.
I can recommend them as I wear them heaps, especially when dealing with asbestos and sweeping up the very fine absorbent/adsorbent powder we put on hydrocarbon spills on hard surfaces (sphagsorb,kittylitter,finely milled sawdust,sodium bicarbonate(for neutralising acid spills)and when cleaning up "white powder" incidents).
Dont know that I would want to wear a respirator long term, especially with the loss of peripheral vision, although the full head mask does give eye protection. cheers, billy

[rsser]

That study is a good find. Thanks Neil.

With a bit of effort, readers will derive some benefit just from reading the summary.

And I would say we should be sceptical of the value of 'current standards'.

An extract from the summary:
A majority of workers (~90%) did not wear appropriate respirators approved for wood dust, while
the workers who did wear them, used them on average less than 50% of the time. Workers should
be protected by controlling dust at its source.

[Frank&Earnest]

Given that I am a 4.5 on your scale, Neil, it is imperative that I take the matter more seriously than I have until now, hence the OP.

The essential bit of information is that sub-micron particles, which are not screened out by the kind of full face respirators we use, are not dangerous. I have not gone through the 328 pages of the thesis you linked, does it confirm or deny this?

Assuming that it is correct and both these and half-face respirators are equally effective for clean shaven people, the issue, as Ern highlighted, is one of compliance.

Eyes, ears and head protection reduce ease of use but are additional features that need to be taken into consideration.

If sub-micron particles were indeed dangerous, however, the only serious alternative would be to use higher standard filters that might or might not be suitable for the respirators we use.

So, can you save me reading the next 320 pages? :) BTW, the specialist did say that 0.1u was overkill.

[bobsreturn2003]

perhap the answer lies with supplied air full face helmets , providing the filters are ok . there are also some turbine models from usa where the pump is put in a clear area and air is piped in to mask . found them on ebay usa several months ago , breathe safely .cheers bob

[issatree]

Hi All Again,
I Clicked on a Link? from Paul39. Couldn't find it again, but it has the exact set of Filters that we 4 got from USA.
It Seems to me that we are all getting to serious about all this.
I'm going to be quite happy with this new 3M Mask.
I find it very hard to believe that a Huge Amount of Dust is going to Thread its way through my Whiskers into my mouth, & cause me a lot of concern
At least it is going to keep a fair amount out.

The Cost all up was $50 ea. The Mask was $20, & I'm not sure of the cost of the Filters.
The Killer was the Postage.
Sir Stinkalot has the paperwork, & he will be able to inform you all of the figures.
Personally I think it was worth it, as I'm the only one that has to be pleased.
Regards,
issatree.
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[NeilS]

So, can you save me reading the next 320 pages? :) BTW, the specialist did say that 0.1u was overkill.

The take home message from the thesis is that woodworkers get sick from exposure to wood dust and protective measures should be taken by both workers and workshops. It didn't go into micron sizes.

Here (http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/DocsOrders.cfm) is another site (Bill Pentz's website) that has info and opinions on risks and solutions. This where I got my cyclone design plans.

.....

[Frank&Earnest]

The take home message from the thesis is that woodworkers get sick from exposure to wood dust and protective measures should be taken by both workers and workshops. It didn't go into micron sizes.

Here (http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/DocsOrders.cfm) is another site (Bill Pentz's website) that has info and opinions on risks and solutions. This where I got my cyclone design plans.

.....

Thanks Neil. Found that NIH IUPAC Glossary of Terms Used in Toxicology – Terms Starting with R (http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/iupacglossary/glossaryr.html) defines respirable dust as 4um (exactly what Ern said) with standard deviation 2um, which means that there is still a risk at the bottom end of the scale, albeit small.

The answer, if you believe the site you link, is:

"My respiratory doctor says every woodworker needs to own, use and properly maintain a good respirator often called a dust mask... He ... says we need to use a good quality fitted respirator mask that meets the NIOSH (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html)safety standards. It should have a good silicon-rubber airtight fit..."

Which ties in with what my "respiratory doctor" said.

None of our respirators meets NIOSH standards. At least, that's what the specs of the Trend say, doubt the others would be better.

I will have to stop woodworking or shave. :C