Tutorial What you need to know about respiratory protection!

Thank you, really ♥

 

I was quite silly when I first used MSC/Zoukei UV spray- I wasn't THAT aware of what damage they could do. The chemical spray lingered for awhile. Thank you for sharing this information! I will certainly not make the same mistake again.

 

This has helped me a lot, thank you.

 

As many have thanked you it's redundant, but THANK YOU! I also do not understand why a warning isn't posted on the front page and in the rules or some location where all the members see it.
I have two questions. I spray on my deck, I live in a town house and the deck is small. When I come back inside and take off my respirator I can smell the vapors that follow me in. So I guess I should keep on my mask? And if I want to take it off would it be okay if I went upstairs away from that location?
I've had the mask for about a year and I do change the filters fairly often and keep them in a Baggie that I have squeezed as much air out of as I can before I zip it. The last time when I took it off I smelled the spray smell, but I didn't when I had it on. So it it just on the outside or should I go ahead and change the filers. It hadn't been used that much.
Also the mask has always fit until I tested it again a small bit of air was coming out around my nose. Is it because of oil from my face ? I never remember to clean it enough. I also have a largish crooked nose so I'm one with the gasses issue. I wear safety glasses which seem to cover that area so that may help. That long drawn out explanation is my asking, do I need a new respirator? It is silicone.
Thanks again.

 

Wow thank you so much for this post! Before reading this I didnt even knew that I need to use a respirator with MSC! And also - I had a question for Tekenduis - What type of filters i need with this half face respirator if Im going to use MSC? - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GULTRW/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2200DMD7Q1QHM

 

So would this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUT86/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1302918195&sr=8-5

be Ok for use during both sanding and spraying? And the filters should be kept in a plastic bag between uses, then discarded when I can smell/taste anything through the mask with them in?

Thanks for taking the time to give us this information and to read this. A lot of people in my family have had lung problems, I don't want to increase my chances any more.

 

Thank you SO MUCH to those who have put so much time into this thread. I didn't know where to start - it is so reassuring to have it spelled out so I can be sure I am taking appropriate precautions, especially with small children living in my house!

 

Are there any options for a mask that are NOT rubber or silicone? I am severely allergic to latex, and rubber and silicone near my face bother me a lot too. As in, my throat swells shut. I want to keep doing faceups, but I want to be safe and healthy. Do I have any options?

 

Thank you for this post.
I found this a little late but better late than never.
I started using MSC a few months ago and developed a pain in my chest that was kind of like an ache. I thought it was just stress. Unfortunately, I figured out it followed my MSC use without a respirator. I thought if I held my breath, used it in a ventilated room and ran out, that when I came back 30 minutes later I'd be safe. I also sprayed it in my bathroom with the window open, thinking it was ok. It wasn't until this past week that I figured out my chest pain was not stress-related, but directly related to MSC. I had gone to the doctors a few times but just went back today and there is no way to get it out of my lungs. Hopefully I didn't do too much damage, but from now on I'm using a respirator.

When they say $30 is better than hospital visits and bills, it's true, it really is.
I only wish I had read this sooner.

 

Thank you very much for all the info! I've already ordered my mask with the proper gear but I did have a question. I've read through the entire thread but didn't find an exact answer to it. I live in an apartment complex with 3 floors and I'm on the top floor. I do have a balcony area that I had been planning to spray in since it is outside but I am now concerned that particles/vapors might travel down the neighbors balcony. Would they dispurse quickly enough for that not to be a problem or would I be able to spray inside, say, a cardboard box with a makeshift lid that I could use to cover the head while it dries? I'm going to do what I can to keep myself safe and I want to make sure my neighbors are safe too.

 

Would it be possible to have this added to the first post? This information is very helpful for people in the UK (and I think it applies to the EU as well?) but you have to dig through the thread to find it.

 

Kayke - That's terrifying sounding. I really hope you find out what's wrong so you can be placed on proper medication. Thank you for posting I hope more people take things like this (wearing proper protection) serious.

 

I've seen you answer similar questions, so this may be stupid to even bother asking.

Situation: Our outdoor area is not at all ideal for painting since it's very rainy, windy, heavily pollenated, and full of animals. I plan to paint dolls in a tiled room with the windows open and fans blowing outward. I will use a half-mask respirator.

Question: How can I make the indoor area safer for others in the home? I was thinking of purchasing an air purifier, making the door air-tight and cleaning the room's surfaces thoroughly after each use (with a time allowance for chemicals to settle on surfaces). Is there anything you can add to this, or suggest against?

 

Satoru - You should check out this thread about spray booths. If you wanted to invest in one of these, you could use it to pull more of the fumes and chemicals out of the air.

 

Thank you so much for this thread. It's so important to be aware of how to protect yourself, especially if you're new to the hobby and just starting to look into modding and faceups.

I live in New Zealand, and just wanted to check that my disposable masks (for light hand sanding of eye wells) are a safe protection grade.
They're labelled as follows:
DM 0401 FFP1
EN149: 2001

Thanks in advance.

 

Tekenduis: add another vote of thanks for taking the time to put this up.

Another question on a mask. The price seems too good to be true:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-6200-Med...784?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d58fd1e0

With these P100 filters

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400448072353?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I find it a bit disconcerting that they call the filters P100 (or P95) but that they are called Particulate filters on the packaging. OTOH, if they actually work...I'm thinking perhaps the filters might not last as long, but for someone who will likely only use it a few times a year...since the others lose potency, if I understand the article, from the time the package is opened, whether actively used or not, perhaps a shorter lived, but cheaper to replace filter might be better?

Here's the 3M specs:

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediaw...K1fslxtUnx_ePvTSev7qe17zHvTSevTSeSSSSSS%96%96

Advice w/b extremely welcome.

Post Script: reading further down the specs found this:

Do Not Use For:
•

Gases and vapors, including those
present in paint spray operations,
unless combined with approved
chemical cartridges.

I assume that means it would NOT work?

 

Vindalootoo: The mask itself is fine, I believe it's very close to the one I currently use. The filters you linked to are particulate filters as opposed to organic vapor filters. Particulate filters (round fuzzy discs) are good for sanding. For spraying chemicals, you need organic vapor cartridges, like these: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Organic-Vapor-Cartridge-1-Pair/dp/B000XBKLLE

Both types of filters can be used with the same mask, you just switch them out.

Hope this helps!

 

Hey, I have a question in regards to airbrushing the Liquitex. It's non toxic, but you said that airbrushing can cause problems? Do I need the chemical filters or will a sanding rated mask be okay? I ask because I have a weird nose and masks just don't seem to fit me properly. I'm not sure what to do.

 

So, after realizing how stupid I was for not using a respirator before, I decided to buy one off of eBay. However, I didn't really know the first thing about proper protective gear, and I bought the first one I could find. I'm now very concerned that I didn't buy a good one -- it was pretty cheap -- and the description has next to no information about what it is. Can anyone give me information about this one, and whether or not I should look into getting a better one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/121091130097?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

 

PandaBerryInSpace: I wouldn't trust that one. For one, it has no info listed on NIOSH filter parameters as explained in the first post. Secondly, it's manufactured in China, and I doubt they have the same health and safety standards as the US does.

Tekendius links to some very reasonably priced masks and filters in the first post, I'd say check those out instead.

 

Ohh, crap. Yeah, I should have realized that. I'll look into the ones on the first page, then. Thank you!

 

Hi there, I stumbled on this while looking up the conditions needed to use MSC and was really bummed to find out I need a respirator to use it.
I'm on a very tight budget and have been assembling things needed for my soon to be project for about year, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is the right thing I need?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-52P71-ME...950?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6e164bae

It says it comes with a bunch of stuff and I'm pretty sure it lists everything that's been said to be required here.

 

Thank you for showing me how ignorant I am! My mask is on its way xD

 

It does indeed! Thanks!

 

Thank you so much to the original poster for posting this - I've been playing around with Monster High dolls...sanding, repainting, using MSC for the past year...I've probably only used MSC outside a dozen or so times, but since they've been watching a large spot on my right lung for the past eight months, this really scared the crap out of me. I feel pretty stupid for not thinking that sanding might be a problem :/ I did that indoors, in my bedroom, and didn't think too much about it other then, gee, this smells kinda gnarly. So far they are thinking every things fine since there have been no changes, but this is def. something I'll be bringing up to the doc because I never even really thought about it as a risk factor...nor have I ever heard about pastels causing an issue, and I've been using those on and off since middle school! Don't mean to ramble...just wanted to say thanks for the time & thought you put into putting all this info together for all of us.

 

I know this thread hasn't been posted on in a while, but I have a question. I have a mask like this http://www.amazon.com/3M-Respirator-7502-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B00AR63G12/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1370394399&sr=8-20 and it's been working well. But today, when I was putting the cartridges back on, the front part came off (pic:http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/Proudgeek8/ed4b15f6-1471-4464-85e8-de271c554f72.jpg ). I can snap it back on and it still fits properly, but if I tug on it it comes off again. I tested the seal and it seems to be working. The part that broke off looks like just plastic and straps. Is it still okay to use? I'd rather not have to buy a new one, especially in the middle of a project.

Thanks!

 

Just found out I've been using the wrong cartridges on my mask. 2097s... I blushed my dolls body yesterday ( so that was a couple coats on each side ). I know my mask is fitted right, the cartridges are new and I didn't smell anything but I still felt pretty bad after I was finished. I also suffer from mild anxiety and what I feel from that was similar ( tight throat, slight pain behind the sternum ). A few cough drops, lots of water and a good nights rest and I felt better but not 100%. Said I'd give it a week MSC free and if I don't feel better then I'll go get checked out.

 

@ proudgeek mine did the same i guess was on Thrusday different type of mask anyway, i checked parts and i found that cartridges came off, but i saw visible cracks on filters and on mask i was able anyway to use it, i've smell the slight odor of sealant which never happened before anyway while i was wearing it, but when i've tried again to use my mask on Friday it broke completely, so i just trash it and i need to get a new one. So if you don't see nothing like creases or cracks then maybe you just need to see if you lock them correctly? My suggestion is to get a new one anyway cause sooner or later will breake
I will buy this time a different type cause seems that regardless of the type the masks with removable/reusable cartridges/filters last at max a year, at this point better to get a different type.
I'm thinking to get a disposable mask cause this one last a year and should be last at least two.

itzreeseybetch sincerely i felt a bit like this the time i didn't use the respirator mask, but as long as you feel better i guess it's ok, do have headache or migraine too?

 

I did develop a headache later in the day $abbatha. We went to my gdad's house and I napped and it seemed that it had all went away then back in the car and it was back again. Considering that it might be something else. Discomfort didn't last this long when I sprayed without a mask and that was substantially less exposure than I had with the mask.

 

Wearing a mask even with different cartridges/filters is surely better than not wearing a mask at all, anyway if only that time you've sprayed msc without mask then be careful to not do it anymore and it should be all right.

 

Thanks! This was seriously helpful!

 

Quick question just to make sure I have the right mask before I start my first mods on my doll. I plan on doing a bit of carving, a tiny bit of sanding, and then using MSC. I found a mask that is NIOSH P100. Is that an acceptable mask for what I'm going to be doing?

 

Hi I have a question, at school we regularly use sealants in the art department and people spray them around in the enclosed space, no masks no windows open. I'm assuming this is very dangerous?

 

I have a good question since i plan on doing a face up on a doll just two times. Do i have to buy the half face mask anyways? I was hopping for a disposable one since i don't plan on doing face ups and what not very often.

 

Thanks a lot to Tekenduis for this thread. I ordered half-mask respirator before I will start with any modifications of my dolls (I am planning only several repaints). It's really important to not underestimate the danger of using MSC and other products that can negatively influence the health.

Even the colors used for painting need to be handled with care - I bought Tamiya acrylic paints and there is written directly on the bottle that "This product contains chemicals which are known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm."

Better be careful now then be sorry later.

 

Thanks to all of you. I'm gonna spend the money on my mask as soon as I get to the store. It's gonna be the half-mask just in case. I just wanted to say thank you though, because otherwise I'd have been stupid and probably hurt myself very seriously.

 

Hi, so just to clarify Ihave a half mask with an organic vapor filter and a p100 filter.

so this is suitable for sanding resin, dremeling and spraying testors?

Sorry, thanks. I just don't want to mess around with my lungs.

 

After reading this I don't think I will ever do anything to my dolls... It's too risky! I'll probably have to pay other people to do it...

 

That's sort of how I'm feeling too but I've always wanted to paint them so I'm sort of in a limbo...

 

While it's true that heavy use of these materials carries a much greater risk, the use of proper safety equipment at ALL times [don't get lazy about it!] can prevent a lot of the harm. Many customizers, despite using safety equipment, still experience weakened respiratory symptoms such as lingering coughs, difficulty breathing, or a noticed decrease in immune system efficiency.

Light / infrequent use of these materials won't cause any immediate or extreme harm, but do keep your health in mind. If you feel like your health is being compromised since beginning customization work, take a break for a little while and see if your condition improves.

 

I know how you feel. I really want to give them face-ups as well.

 

Thank you so much for this! I'm totally going to go out and buy a proper mask. I have been using MSC outside with a mask but not the respirator kind. And I have only used MSC a couple times ever on off topic dolls so hopefully I'm ok!

I already have multiple chronic illnesses - I don't need any more thanks

 

I fixed a faceup today. For the very first time and I just have to say because this thread exists two things happened; one I was perfectly safe while doing so and two I had to wait an aggravating couple of extra days. Pretty sure it was worth it. So glad you took the time to put this all together (and then field all the questions!)

 

Thanks for decoding the mysteries of the half face respirator. I've worked in a costume shop where we would use spray paint and vairous other glues and solvents and no one could ever tell me what was the right thing to use. This is definitely on my list to get before I do any spraying of sealants.

 

Wow i did not realize that my disposable mask was not enough, thanks for the info, I will likely go out and buy a half face mask as i am going to be doing some major modifications to one of my dolls.

 

In the porcelain doll world, every so often I had to be all angry-mama on someone for sanding or airbrushing without a mask. Patiently explaining that clay comes from mud which has sand in it, and pigments come from minerals that are ground up fine, and all of that can cause silicosis. Google Images for 'silicosis' helps ^.^

Thank you for this thread and for teaching people how to be responsible with their lungs and health!

 

Hi there thank you so much for this thread, I would have never known about the risks without this! I'm planning my first faceup, and wanted to know if this if enough to protect me.

Mask:
http://www.thesafetysupplycompany.c...nce-series-half-mask---en140---3m-292631.html

Filters:
http://www.thesafetysupplycompany.c...00-7502-and-6900-masks---en141---3m-6051.html

Are these correct, I am only planning on using MSC not sanding anything at the moment, so is this everything I need?
Hoping you can advice me
Thanks so much

 

Yes, Teishi407, that's the correct mask and the correct filters for using MSC!

If you decide to do sanding, you'll need to add two more things:

1. These particulate "pre-filters" (couldn't find them in stock at The Safety Supply Company): http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008OHMNQK/
2. These clips/retainers to hold the pre-filters in place: http://www.thesafetysupplycompany.c...-filters---pair---3m-292441.html#.UkeqPyQ-Ekh


ETA:

Has anyone found any safety goggles that are compatible with the 3M half-face respirators that Tekenduis links to on the first page? My respirator arrived today along with some Uvex safety goggles I ordered, and I was disappointed to see that I cannot wear them together and get a good seal out of the goggles, as the nose on the respirator prevents the bridge of the goggles from sitting flat against my face.

 

This is probably a stupid question (sorry :c ) but for my first face up I took the head outside, wore goggles and held my breath completely while I sprayed and then ran away from the area, haha. I know it would have been better with a mask, but was this okay? (please don't kill me I'm still pretty new to the world of face ups)

 

Fortunately, this question has been asked multiple times in this thread! Here are the past instances of this question and their answers.

Question:

Answer:

Question:

Answer:

General comments from people who have held their breath while spraying MSC:

Hopefully that helps you, Lincy. If you do any more spraying, please, please, please get a mask. They're not expensive, especially relative to the kinds of money we drop on our BJDs.

 

Thank you so much, that's really really useful! I will definitely invest in one if I do more face ups, it's really not worth the risk again. I wonder if there are any non toxic face up sprays around, hmm.

 

Geez, this totally scared me, especially on the MSC story. O<O||

I told my mother about this, and she told me to just use the spray at the balcony...Is that OK? I still don't feel secure about it considering I have respiratory problems since I am very small (I have mild asthma, and I think the MSC is kinda making it worse.). If it is not OK, is there any way to get my mother to buy the mask? Like, stories, what nots?

 

No, it's not okay to just use the spray on the balcony. You need to wear a half-face respirator. The wind could turn suddenly, and you could end up inhaling the MSC, and/or the MSC could end up blowing inside your home.

Search this thread for the personal stories by kayke, Muisje, and Sicktress, and show them to your mom so she knows how serious this stuff is. I can't imagine any well-intentioned mother would not spend $30 to protect her child's respiratory health.

 

@Vadafade: Looks like my worries ARE correct! I did show my mother kayke's story, but sadly she isn't willing to pay 30$ for safety just because she wants to save money. >=( Seriously mom, 30$ or hospital bills? C'mon, pay for a goddamn 30$ before it is too late!

Looks like I will just have to keep pushing my mother or, use my own (Lunch) money.

 

Aoibara, you can get a couple different kinds on Amazon for less than $30 (links below). I hope your mother realizes how important it is to invest in protective gear when you work with chemicals... and the importance of ensuring your child's health. My workshop is out back, and I won't be able to work in the winter. I am happy to wait until spring if it means keeping all this stuff away from my daughter. Good luck to you.

http://www.amazon.com/Thermoplastic...=disposable+mask+organic+vapor#productDetails

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Low-Mainte...sr=8-1&keywords=disposable+mask+organic+vapor

 

I'm from Canada and I'm having an hard time finding an half-mask respirator for a good price. All the ones that I've found in store so far are 50$ or more, would anyone know a good place to get one for cheaper?

 

This is great advise. Thanks so much! This helps a lot being a new doll owner who is just trying out face-ups for the first time

 

Aoibara, I also hope your mom comes to her senses and realizes that $30 is a small price to pay to ensure her child's lifelong respiratory health.

Thank you for these links, Vespertine! Just a quick note that the first mask doesn't include N95/P95 particle "prefilters" (or the retainer clips that hold them onto the mask), so it won't protect against any kind of sanding applications. However, both of those masks you linked to would absolutely protect against MSC and other spraying applications!

 

To vadafade and Vespertine:

Thank you so much for your information. I have bookmarked these two vapors from Amazon.

About my mother. Good news: She FINALLY listened, after some good argument when she yelled at me to have a surgical mask instead of a stupid gas mask (Which she called it. &#3232;_&#3232; ). When I screeched (I need to capslock this part, I don't mean to disprespect my mother, but her stupid reasonings make me even angrier. Check my * at the end.) "OH SO YOU WANNA PAY FOR SOME HOSPITAL BILLS, HUH?!" She finally surrendered, and approved it as long as I use my money (30$, no problem.).

Anyways, both of you, thank you for helping me find the right masks, and giving me another courage to get my mother to understand.

*As an art student, health safety is number one priority, and my mom knows I am going to study art, and she still does not understand that some art stuff can be hazardous. I explained about other stuff many times and all she says is just don't use it. Even my teacher finds my mom's thinking very ridiculous.

 

I am so glad to hear that you will have the proper respiratory protection to begin customizing, Aoibara! That is great news.