Speaking of painting...Respirator tips

[RC Steve Sterling]

Hummmm-- an old CPAP machine and a long circuit hose!!!!
  -----Original Message-----
  From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On
Behalf Of John Ferrell
  Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 5:45 PM
  To: discussion at nsrca.org
  Subject: Re: Speaking of painting...Respirator tips


  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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