Tutorial What you need to know about respiratory protection!

Kayke, I hope your health will improve and thanks for sharing.
I too have to admit that a few years ago I was too lazy to wear a respirator while spraying and I thought I was so smart for spraying in the same direction the wind was blowing. Then the wind turned and I inhaled the spray. I suffered the following health effects:
- nausea
- vertigo
- vomiting
- headache

Aside from needing to stay in bed for the rest of the day as I was feeling that sick I also was sensitive to cigarette smoke for 6 months. Meaning that it felt like my lungs were on fire if someone smoking a cigarette walked past me. It was impossible to near a smoking person or in a room with smokers without being in severe pain.

This is not caused by being weak or extremely sensitive to chemicals. It is caused by the toxicity of the compounds in the spray and if you read (or can read in case there's no English text) the label on the can, it will give you a fair warning about the damage the spray can cause to your body and the need to protect yourself.
I say this not only as a random doll person, but also as a trained professional who studies health effects of (repeated) exposure to harmful components: wear a respirator.
When you don't feel anything after spraying MSC or similar sealant your health may still be affected and repeated exposure will increase your health risks.

You may also call me a total snob for saying this, but if $30 to protect your health is too expensive, you're in the wrong hobby. This is an expensive hobby. Face-ups are going to cost you money whether you pay someone to do it for you or do them yourself. Luckily a respirator is a long-time investment that goes a long way if you store the respirator properly. The respirator is worth the money and you're worth it too.

 

The other thing is that, because this is a fairly obscure hobby, you can't always count on a doctor to understand the potential medical concerns related to it.

When I first started out, I did some sanding - sans mask. (I had not yet seen this thread.) Afterwards, I developed a persistent cough for several months. When I tried to explain to my doctor "This is what I think I did that's causing/contributing to my symptoms" he just gave me this derp look and didn't look into my concerns. (And I didn't know enough about all of this at the time to be able to describe this as more than "I probably inhaled something dangerous".)

(I am mostly OK now, but I wouldn't take bets that this won't come back to bite me in the butt later on.)

 

There is absolutely NO debate about practicing safe practice and behavior when working with known dangerous products!!! This is not a debate thread nor is there any place on the forum for the direction in which this thread is now moving. Please read through the first informational post in this thread to learn about the KNOWN dangers of spraying a KNOWN dangerous product and how to protect yourself and those around you.

Further posts in the nature of the above posts will be removed.

 

So, I need to change the filter every 2 weeks?


@Muisje : wow did you get all those just from one incident?

 

Thanks so much for this thread! Thankfully I havent attempted a face-up yet, and will wait to until I get my mask! I plan on investing in a silicone one...but this will sound silly! I have NO IDEA how to maintain filters, or even put them on! I've never used anything like this before.

 

Thank you very much for this post! It was basically a much easier to understand version of the (lengthy) instructions that came with my 6211 respirator when I recieved it earlier this year. I wish I had been able to read this thread then, because I had to go through those instructions about five times to make sure I properly understood everything (and I'm still paranoid I'll miss something).

With that said, I do my spraying outside on windy days for as much fume removal as possible, which has resulted in a few heads being blown over... I leave them outside until it dries while I'm watching TV inside. This means I usually bring whatever I sprayed back inside after just a few minutes. However, I wanted to know if I should be leaving parts outside for longer? Does it make a difference? (I am wearing a mask the entire time)

& I once accidentally sprayed some spray inside my house about three months ago. I hope everything is okay and nothing bad happens in the future

 

Tekenduis - Thank you so much for posting such clear and explicit information and directions. I also really appreciate your supplying some links for where we can purchase the masks. Thank you again.

 

Thank you, Tekenduis for the very informative thread! I had purchased a mask a long while ago actually, but have not used it much since I had halted in doing face-ups. Now I actually want do face-ups once again, but know that I had to buy new cartridges. But I had realize that I might had bought wrong cartridges to protect myself from MSC. Hope you can help me out?

I had purchased an AOSafety half-face mask, and bought refilled 8051 catridges previously.

http://www.amazon.com/Safety-95087-Replacement-Filter-Cartridge/dp/B00009LI4I

I am just wondering whether this would be the right one against MSC or I should purchase another? Thank you!

 

Thank you very much! Happy to know I got the right ones! :>

 

I want to reiterate the importance of having a correct fit of your respirator mask!

As a person with almost 30 years experience in the military and now in the past 18 years in law enforcement, I have been trained for wearing and fit-checking protective masks, both mine and my subordinates, I can tell you for sure that your respiratory mask is only as effective at protecting you as it's fit. If you want to benefit from the mask, you must have the right size and must seal your mask to your face each time you use it.

You can tell if you are sealed by covering the little disc filters on the sides of the mask with your palms so that no air can get in. Then you try to suck in the air through your mouth and nose with your palms in place sealing the filters. Upon inhaling, you should feel the mask "sucking" against your face and you shouldn't be able to get air from around the sides of the mask. If you can't get air around the sides of the mask, and can only get it when you remove your palms and suck through the filters, the mask is working properly and fits your face adequately.

Even hairstyles can interfere with the proper fit of a mask. It is the main reason why military men are not allowed long hair or beards, and military women must keep their hair up and away from the face. When you will be "masking up" you might want to first comb and pull your hair into a neat pony or bun on top of your head to ensure it does not interfere with the seal of your face mask. You may also want to remember not to wear any excessive makeup or face cream that can make the mask slip around your face or degrade your seal. Depending on what the mask is made of, some makeup/cream can damage some types of masks. When I wear a respirator mask, I don't wear foundation or cream, and I always pull my hair back into a pony.

Don't feel bad if you have to wear a mask for an hour or two while you are working with your MSC and other chemicals. In the military, we had times during training exercises and alerts where we had to wear our NBC masks and also our hot protective suits for days at a time. You do get used to it especially since you know you are saving your own life!

 

Since you first posted this topic I've become quite afraid of working on my dolls (and now I've got piles of projects waiting to be done!), so I have finally taken steps towards getting a respirator so I can continue the creative side of this hobby.

I have picked out a respirator and cartridges on the 3M website; I just need to know if all the items I selected are compatible (and that I have everything I need). All the specs are like a completely different language to me, so a confirmation would really help. Thank you so much for your time.

3M™ Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 7501/37081(AAD), Respiratory Protection, Small 10/cs
3M™ Particulate Filter 5N11, N95 Respiratory Protection 100 EA/Case
3M™ Organic Vapor Cartridge 6001, Respiratory Protection 60/Case

 

Like everyone else THANK YOU for being so generous with your time and knowledge! I found this when I was first on DOA. I'm so glad I read it again. I haven't been changing the cartridges often enough.

 

I have a question - I bought a respirator a while ago, and it fits and has been adjusted appropriately and it works great - but I can't really look up without feeling like it's trying to pull my face off, it's so heavy. Is that normal?

I'm using a Workhorse brand, if that's relevant.

 

Never mind I've had a double check and found someone within the UK earlier in the thread:

I was wondering if I'm not considering sanding, would I require the pre-filter?

 

Since I translated this for someone else, I thought I'd share it in this thread for the curious. This is what's printed on your cans of MSC:

Product: Plastic painting material

Ingredients: Plastic (acrylic), organic solvent, pigment

Use: Plastic models, other models, art etc. (for use on: styrene, ABS, vinyl chloride resin, urethane foam resin, metal, wood, paper, plaster, clay, rubber)

Quantity: 170ml

Coating area: 1.53m[SUP]2[/SUP] (2 coats)

How to use:
· Remove dirt and oil from the surface to be sprayed.
· Before use, shake container thoroughly to mix.
· When spraying, leave 20-30cm between the surface and the nozzle.
· Without spraying too thickly at once, move it across the surface while spraying thinly and evenly.
· Leave for 30-60 minutes after spraying.
· After using, turn can upside down and allow to rest for a couple of seconds, and then replace cap.

Made by GSI Kureos

WARNING:
Flammable, hazardous
1. Contains flammable gas
2. Organic solvents are poisonous

Safety Warning:

· Store out of reach of children. Do not inhale or consume.
· Contains organic solvents; keep well ventilated when coating and drying.
· When spraying, take care not to coat other objects or people.
· Wear a mask and gloves, and where possible avoid contact with skin.
· If it touches your skin, wash with soap and water.
· If it gets into your eyes, rinse with water.
· If you feel unwell, rest somewhere with fresh air.
· If you experience pain or external symptoms, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
· Do not store in direct sunlight or near a fan heater, and do not keep in damp or warm conditions as the can rusts easily.
· To dispose, empty the can by pressing the button until the contents are gone in an area with no flames.
· Do not use on materials other than those recommended.

Fire and temperature warning:

To avoid danger when using flammable compressed gas products, observe the following warnings.

1. Do not use near flames.
2. Do not use in large quantities in buildings where flames are used.
3. As pressurised gases can explode, do not keep in direct sunlight or in an area with flames.
4. Do not place in a fire.
5. When finished with the can, dispose of it.

Pressurised gas: DME/LPG

 

Can you also use a gas mask when working with resin/MSC?

 

Wow. Thank you all so much for putting all of this information together. This is definitely a thread that I will be reading in it's entirety before starting my work on a doll.

 

*Please relocate or remove when off topic.*
My friend shared me a video of Andreja's new choice of sealant. They are the brush on water-based matte medium and matte varnish. Link to video here. It's definitely a safer way to work on faceups. You would need an airbrush though.
You might as well wear a mask, but there will probably be no chemical fumes from these.

 

Wait, just to be clear...

The combination between organic vapour cartridges AND a N95 filter will protect against sealants/spray paint?

 

Thank you for providing this information!

About needing to wear a respirator while sanding - does that only apply to resin and other toxic materials, or is dust in general harmful? I used to attend jewellery making classes, which involved working with glass powder, filing metal and sanding wood, polymer clay and similar materials. The person organising them never mentioned anything about having to wear a mask while working.

 

Yes, all dust is dangerous. But it does depend on type and duration of exposure. And your own physical condition.
If you have a respiratory ailment (astma, etc) you should definitely wear a mask when around anywhere there might be particles in the air.

Glass powder can be dangerous because colored grass gets its color from often toxic metals. The particles can also clog up the longs and cause harm with longer exposure.
Metal filings are usually too heavy to become airborne, but aluminum is light enough.
Wood sanding dust is not toxic (unless a toxin has been used to impregnate the wood) but it can clog up the longs and cause harm with longer exposure.
Polymer clay wafts chemicals.

Basically I go by; If I can smell it, it goes into my longs, and I might not want that! In such a case I wear a mask.

Take note, though, not all harmful substances have an smell. Like glass dust. So use your eyes and your brain to determine if you need to use a mask. And err on the side of caution!

 

I guess I'll have to get a respirator after all. Thanks!

...And now I'm seriously considering going back to inform the jewellery class instructor. There were quite a few children there; inhaling irritants can't be good for them.

 

In some cases just a filtering mask will do, just to filter the particles out of the air before you breath it in.

And yes, your jewellery class probably should do a little more about protection.

 

Wow, thank you everyone who has provided all this information. It has been very useful, I am going to look into a respirator before I start any work on my dolls. There is some very good advice here and I am very happy I have come across it before I started any work.

I have never done any work with MSC before, or anything similar I was mainly looking into it because I am getting a doll where I am going to work on. I also want to thank people who have talked about personally experiences, it is brave and kind of you.

 

[h=2][/h]

Hi

Just starting with my own face ups and I'm in the process of buying equipment, can anyone tell me if the respirator in the link below will do the job for when I'm using MSC spray?

http://www.protectivemasksdirect.co....-box-671-p.asp

Thanks ​

 

Sooo...what can you tell me about the risks involved with using various other sealants? I'm definitely buying a mask, and I've never used MSC before, but, having been doing art seriously for the majority of my life, I've been using spray sealants and fixatives for over 8 years now and have never even thought to wear some form of respiratory protection. Are sealants such as Windsor Newton, Prismacolor and Blair of a similar toxicity?

 

This is extremely informative - I hope you don't mind if I translate it to Hungarian and post it to our local BJD forum. I'll link back to this thread, of course

I also have a question regarding Acrylic Thinners (like Windsor&Newton or Mr. Hobby Color). I'm not airbrushing my dolls, however, I've noticed that these acrylic thinners have a quite prominent smell when I'm wiping off faceups - the smell is not unlike that of MSC. Should I use my respirator when cleaning off a faceup with thinner?

 

It couldn't hurt. I use mine when I soak my dolls in rubbing alcohol; I don't think rubbing alcohol is toxic, but the fumes are just really horrible.

 

I am so glad I found this thread!

I have a tin of Testors Dullcote that I originally bought for protecting my miniatures (I paint Warhammer models) that I had not yet opened because I haven't had the time to paint much recently - and I am glad now that I haven't! (Though worried about some spray-painting I did on a cosplay prop last year...)

I will definitely be getting myself a respirator as soon as possible, and definitely postponing any spraying until I have it. Thank you so much for all of the information you've provided!

I am also tempted to give that Liquitex method a try, since I've read mixed opinions on Testors and I can get Liquitex medium far more easily than MSC...

 

Eek - this is scary stuff. I thought I was using the right masks with MSC, but now I see they only offer protection against particulates. Fortunately I have hardly sprayed any dolls at all and I will get a proper mask before I try again.

I do have a question though about the UK /European standards - a bit of browsing today has thrown up one set of descriptions EN 14387, EN 405, EN 1827:1999 etc which is the way masks in our local hardware stores and online shops seem to be labelled but there was also reference upthread to an A1 P2 standard. Now I'm confused about whether these are 2 sets of terms for the same thing or whether there are different levels of testing for each standard. Any help would be much appreciated!

 

I have the same question as Tide N Thyme.
I have sprayed with MSC already twice with just holding my breath and know I can't continue to do face ups next year when i have time without a mask as it is indeed to much of a risk. i also found a nice small graffiti store who sell respiratory masks- but the european standards confuse me too.

Will a 3M 6000 mask with a A2 filter and P2 Pre-filter be fine?

 

Thanks so much for posting this article. I've been exposed to MSC a few times over the three years I've been in this hobby but only from the fumes of a drying head. I've always sprayed outside whilst holding my breath. For long-term projects like sanding mods or body-blushing I bought a proper mask and eye covering, work outside, etc. I'm sure I've not taken as many precautions as I should have though, I think I read this article 3 years too late. This kind of information should be the first thing new doll hobbyists learn about.

I think after reading this I should buy a mechanic's jumpsuit so that resin dust doesn't even sit on my clothes and I inhale them by accident. It could make one rightfully paranoid.

Also as an edit and addition: I've switched from MSC to Vallejo which claims to be non-toxic. The Vallejo brand works well for me. In fact I like it better than MSC. I still spray with a mask now and outside of course, but it doesn't have that wretched after-smell that the toxic MSC had.

What is the word on the Vallejo brand of sealant?

 

I would just like to ask if anyone has this mask: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blackrock-R...ef=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1354452268&sr=1-1
(if it is not ok to link to it, it has EN141 Class A1/P2 Filters)

Should I be able to smell anything with it on?
I have used it once and could faintly smell the MSC... I tired hairspray and using scented soap, while washing my hands, to see if I could smell it too - I could.
So is some smell to get through or have I got the wrong filters?

 

Omg, I'm so glad I found this. I've sprayed a few layers of finishing powder unprotected (although I did spray outside and immediately go inside). I'm kind of terrified for my health and will be purchasing a gas mask now. I didn't know they came this cheap, which is part of why I never got one in the first place. Hopefully I'll be okay now that I'll protect myself, as I haven't felt any bad effects yet.

 

I read this article on how surgical masks like n95 provide significant aerosol protection and I was wondering if it would be safe to use one instead of buying an expensive respiratory mask.
Article: http://www.upmc-cbn.org/report_archive/2007/cbnreport_02152007.html
I'm only going to use Msc for sealing my doll's hands so I don't want to waste a lot of money. Do you think it would be safe?

 

I would suggest you ask your question in the respiratory sticky thread to get the best answer but to quote the study:
"In high risk settings, N95 respirators or PAPRs should be used if available."
"In a case-control study of five hospitals in Hong Kong affected by SARS, W. H. Seto and colleagues found that consistent use of surgical masks was associated with a significant reduction in risk of infection. In fact, of 51 HCW with documented SARS exposure while wearing a surgical mask, none became infected. In contrast, 13 of 198 exposed HCWs (6.5%) who did not wear a surgical mask or N95 were infected."

I'm not a doctor but: a disease is something your body might be able to combat, less exposure probably means less likelihood to fall ill (for example only 6.5% of those not wearing protection fell ill).
MSC is not a pathogen. MSC is a carcinogenic aerosol which can coat the inside of the lungs (a coating which the body can not break down). While very little exposure to an illness is something your body can probably deal with MSC is not something you should inhale even a little of.

If you don't want to buy a respirator and what not I would suggest talking to a modder/ face-up artist and see if they would seal the hands for you.

 

The key word is MAY provide. May doesn't mean definitely, after all. Not to mention that the test aerosol probably had a similar droplet size consistent with the spray from surgery, or coughing or breath exhaling. I don't know if I'm correct or not, but MSC might have a smaller droplet size (to ensure an even coat) which means that it will go through a surgical mask no problem.

Actually, now that I reminded myself using the respiratory protection thread; yeah, I'm not surprised that the surgical mask's results is akin to an N95 mask; they're basically the same thing. Both the surgical mask and the N95 are not adequate protection for MSC use. They are both good for large particles like wood dust/sawdust, but not resin or spray products:

 

I would get something good from the hardware store. They are specifically designed to protect from various inhalants. Also, spray out doors and LEAVE the area you spray in- like go back indoors. I spray on my porch and immediately go back inside away from the spray.

 

Most respirators start at around $30 - not expensive when you consider that this is your long-term health. They are also useful for other applications where you might not want to get particles up your nose (yard work, heavy dusting/cleaning) or smell something (wall paint, having to work in an area where there's a cat litter box). It's honestly not a bad thing to have hanging around, even if you don't use it often. You never know when you might need it.

Also, to add onto what Chehime said - I often work on multiple parts at a time - usually the head, hands, feet, and torso. I have a plastic tray that I lay my parts out on, and when I spray, I carry the whole thing outside, instead of running outside with each piece individually. I would also recommend maybe getting some canned air to blow dust off your parts before you seal.

 

I didn't know I would need more than a dust mask for spraying ZM. Good thing I read this before I do a face-up on my first doll. The half face masks do seem kind of expensive, but I had cancer as a kid and would happily make the investment to avoid repeating that!

 

No. You shouldn't be able to smell anything if the mask is on and properly fitted. If you can smell anything, that means that particles and fumes are reaching the scent receptors inside your nose.

It looks like the packaging in the photo says that it has an organic vapor filter, so that's positive. I would read all the packaging to make sure that it's rated to be used with aerosols, spray paint, and pesticides.

Also - try to do a fit-test as described in the beginning article. Hopefully that will help you determine where the scent is getting into your mask. Is it possible that the mask is the wrong size?

 

Tekenduis and Kymera, yes... I have considered that it is the mask that does not fit well. I have a small or rather annoying head size... And the mask is a "one size fits all" so...
But I will have to try harder to ensure a proper fit, and see if that works! Thanks!

 

Sigh. I have an AOSafety half-face, with OV filters that came pre-installed. My fit tests have always been perfect. There was no further info with it indicating how often to replace the filters, nor did the guys who sold it to me tell me anything about that. I smelled the sealant I sprayed the very first time I used my mask, and it always freaked me out that I could smell it anyway. After reading this entire thread, I'm assuming that's because the filters, being attached and not packaged, were dead when I bought the damn thing. Is that correct? I've been strapping myself into a useless hunk of rubber for six years?
Also, whenever I wear it, I can't breathe, get terribly dizzy, etc. Is it defective, or am I just a claustrophobic twit?
Thanks so much for putting up this info. I'm glad to have stumbled upon it. Better late than never, I suppose! (Me, not you.)

 

Hmmm... I very much need to buy a mask. I wasn't aware of how dangerous I've been acting. O .o' Hmm... I'm hesitant to admit this but embarressment isn't the worst thing in the world.... the idea of wearing a gas mask scares me. I always found it to be kind of a claustrophobic feeling to have something on my face. Even my own glasses used to do that to me... like I'd just get this dreadful feeling of wanting my face free'd from whatever was on it (like a snorkle or something). It's such a prominent quirk with me, that I sometimes have trouble letting my love touch my face.. depends on the mood whether or not the urge to swat his hands away comes up. (I feel bad for him haha.) It's been said that you cannot smell anything with the gas mask on... does the mask at all make your breathing stifled? What's the air like that you're breathing? Is it just like breathing normal air or does it feel different? Maybe if it's not so weird like I'm imagining it I'd dread having to wear one less.. I'm not sure if you could call it a "fear" per se... but I definately feel a little afraid of the idea. Ironic that the idea of breathing through a life-saving device is what scares me, not the chemicals on the other side which I've already consumed... Of course, I want to do faceups and I won't let a thing like this stop me from buying one when I get the chance, I'm just seeking either reassurance or warning so I know more what to expect when I put the mask on. (So I don't panic in it and stuff it in a drawer for the next 5 months from being too put-off by the unexpected..)

 

@King of Chains: Well, you are breathing through several layers of filter, so it is slightly more difficult to pull air, but not bad, maybe a little like a snorkel or trying to breath through a really thick scarf, but not claustrophobic. If the mask is adjusted right (not too tight, but not too loose that it lets in contaminated air) then it is not uncomfortable to wear. The inside of the mask won't smell unless you don't wipe it out and let dry before putting it away. The mask collects a small amount of condensation on the inside from your exhalations - I've never noticed it while I was wearing the mask, but see it when I take the mask off.

The most annoying thing I find when wearing one is that I have a little trouble when trying to focus on small detail work - because you have to look over the top of the nose-piece, but if you don't spray near the area where you work (e.g. spraying outside and working indoors), then you can take it off in between.

I would recommend specifically checking out the 3M brand masks that Tekenduis recommended - a friend of mine has one that has a clip-release on the strap that goes behind your head, so it's really easy to get it on and off. (The mask I have does not and I have to pull it on and off over my head. I've had it less than a year and the elastic is already shot.)

 

I have a question: Is it also necessary to protect yourself from the item after it has been sprayed with MSC and it is drying?

I understand that during spraying, particles of the MSC are actively in the air. Check, we don't want to breathe that. What about as the item dries? It still has a scent. Is it still actively dangerous? Or is putting it somewhere to dry inside o.k.?

 

Thanks. ^_^

 

Thank you, Tekenduis! I'm going to get a silicone 3M mask off of Amazon, since I have claustrophobia issues as well. I've tossed the old one. Here's hoping I haven't done any damage, eek!

 

Is is safe to do sanding inside, like in a bathroom with the fan on and the door closed while wearing a mask?
I usually sand in my garage, but It's so cold out right now I'd honestly get more done inside.

I don't want to make my family or pets sick, though.
but if I keep the door closed and the fan running for a while will it be fine?

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question or not, or if it was answered already xD

 

o thank you so much!!! I am a college student who has done way too many art projects with horrid chemicals. I have tried quite a few different masks, but being a poor art student, i bought cheap things that were poorly recommended. I have had an extreme amount of problems with clear resin in combo with alginate molding materials (light headed, headaches, nausea) not to mention all the aerosol and sanding fumes)) and being that i plan on doing much more in preparation for my senior show, i am glad that i now will have a proper mask and filters!

THANKS SO VERY MUCH!!!!
(My dad thanks you also!)
(and my nose for that matter........ airbrushing always leaves me with rainbow sneezes no matter what i do!)

Here's what i am going to get (want to double check just in case!)
3M 5N11 Replacement N95 Prefilter for 3M 6000 and 7500 Facepiece Respirators, Sold by the Box of 10 Filters - 3M
3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridge for Respirator (2-Pack) - 3M




3M Half Facepiece Respirator 6000 Series, Reusable, Small - 3M


and is it safe to use products in a dorm if there is a spray booth hooked up? and also should i sand in the booth? (dont want to kill any freshies!)

 

Hello,

Thanks for this thread ! It gives me a lot of information.
But I still have a question
Since I'm even allergic to non-water based paints (I get heavy headaches), I want to be extra careful using MSC. I've been searching for a respirator and finally found two types in a shop nearby. They are 3M's. One of them has a label A2P3 and the package says it should be used for chemicals. The other has A2P2 and should be used for paint spraying. I suppose the A2P3 is the one I should have but as the people in the store can't really give me detailled information about it (it is a very big store that sells almost anything) I'm still doubting. I looked on the site of 3M for info but I could only find that A2P3 stands for the protectiongrade. The prices for the masks are around 55€ . Will this kind of mask give enough protection ?

 

Great information.
Thank you!

 

Welp, I'm in serious trouble. I was aware that I needed a respirator, but I didn't know the extent to which I had to protect myself because I only recently found this thread. It's difficult to find information about certain things without a denofangels account =_= I've been acting very foolishly and putting myself in danger. I wasn't aware, for example, that if I could smell the MSC then my mask is ineffective. Though it makes sense now, of course! So the mask I've been using for months has been defective right from the start. That's great. Additionally, I always thought that working in a ventilated area was sufficient, but apparently not so! I usually work at my desk with the windows open and a fan, but now I've learned that that's not enough.There's nothing I can do about the past, but I regret that I've been hurting myself for so long without even thinking anything of it. I'm going to die for my stupidity.