Speaking of painting...Respirator tips

[John Ferrell]

Remote breathing air devices are not that difficult to construct.
Use a NEW long vacuum cleaner hose plumbed to a respirator mask that leads into your shop (use a little common sense here...), pressurize the shop with window fans on the far side of the building and paint outside. Leaks in the mask & plumbing are OK because everything is going out.


Explaining why you are doing it that way to family & friends is a lot harder!
  
John Ferrell    
http://DixieNC.US

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Earl Haury 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 7:12 PM
  Subject: Re: Speaking of painting...Respirator tips


  For those not wishing to take risks - do a web search for the Axis Hobbyair forced air systems, available from several sources. They're affordable, comfortable, and durable.

  Earl
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: MKMSG at aol.com 
    To: discussion at nsrca.org 
    Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 5:34 PM
    Subject: Re: Speaking of painting...Respirator tips


    The following is an extract of an OSHA study done at a Denver automotive paint shop where urethane containing polyisocyanates is sprayed daily.  The study concluded the workers were protected at an adequate level (they wore protective suits and were using a forced air breathing system).  I'm not advocating not using automotive polyurethanes, but if you're going to use them, be aware of the dangers and take the precautions recommended by the paint manufacturers. I used to spray Imron with great results, but am now experimenting with other paints to eliminate the hazard.

    Mike Moritko


    OSHA Report Extract:  

    Probably the most debilitating health effects from workplace exposure to diisocyanates are respiratory and dermal sensitization. Exposures can lead to sensitization depending on the type of exposure, the exposure concentration, the route of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Dermal sensitization can result in such symptoms as rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the extremities.18,21 Respiratory sensitization from exposure to diisocyanates results in the typical symptoms of asthma. Estimates of the prevalence of diisocyanate-induced asthma in exposed worker populations vary considerably; from 5% to 10% in diisocyanate production facilities,22,23 to 25% in polyurethane production plants,22,24 and 30% in polyurethane seatcover operations.25

    A worker suspected of having diisocyanate-induced sensitization will present with symptoms of traditional acute airway obstruction; e.g., coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, nocturnal awakening, etc.18,20 Upon first exposure to diisocyanates, the worker may develop an asthmatic reaction immediately or several hours after exposure, after the first months of exposure, or after several years of exposure.18,20,23,26,27 some evidence exists which suggests that the onset of sensitization occurs after a mean exposure interval of two years.28 After sensitization, any exposure, even to concentrations below any occupational exposure limit or standard, can produce an asthmatic response which may be life threatening. This asthmatic reaction may occur minutes after exposure (immediate), several hours after exposure (late), or a combination of both immediate and late components after exposure (dual).20,26 The late asthmatic reaction is the most common occurring in approximately 40% of diisocyanate-sensitized workers.29 Recurrent nocturnal asthma has been described in workers sensitized to TDI and MDI.30,31 An improvement in symptoms may be observed during periods away from the work environment (weekends, vacations).18,20,26

    The percentage of sensitized workers with persistent symptoms of asthma after years of no exposure may be 50% or higher. Studies have shown that workers with persistent asthma have a significantly longer duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis, larger decrements in pulmonary function, and a severe degree of nonspecific bronchial hyperactivity at diagnosis.26 These data suggest that prognosis is improved with early diagnosis of diisocyanate-induced respiratory sensitization and early removal from diisocyanate exposure. This emphasizes the need to minimize workplace exposure concentrations, and for active medical surveillance of all workers potentially exposed to diisocyanates.
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