|
CNKS
01-13-2008 17:32:24
|
|
Re: TSC Valspar Enamel Hardener and respirator? in reply to DAN9-Midwest, 01-13-2008 14:12:52
|
|
| |
There was a discussion on this site about this a couple of years ago -- concerning tractor store paint and hardeners vs PPG, DuPont, etc. I think the conclusion from most of us (there will always be a few that differ) was that the the suppliers who sell to such stores do not emphasize the need for supplied air because they realize that many of the people buying their product are not professionals like those in the body shops. Those suppliers seem to get by with it, but they shouldn't. Basically ANY hardener with the term isocyanate on the can or spec sheet should REQUIRE a supplied air system, and the major paint manufacturers do require them in their spec sheets. The only way you can safely use a charcoal mask is to get the level of iso's below a certain number--I don't remember what that number is; it is not important, anyway, because it is impossible for a hobbiest to reduce that level even if he could measure it. A good downdraft paint booth in a body shop may be able to obtain it, there is nothing a hobbiest can do to safely reduce the level. Outside may or may not be better, if you can smell the paint fumes without a mask, you are getting isos through the mask. I believe iso's themselves are odorless. You can paint upwind, but the paint still swirls around you. If it is calm enough to paint, you are as bad off outside as in. Some people aren't affected, others get a reaction the first time it is used. Repeated use can cause severe permanent respiratory problems, a few people have died. A charcoal mask is not adequate unless it is brand new and fits perfectly. The charcoal begins to degrade as soon as the seal is broken, and you have no way of determining its effectiveness. The paper dust masks are even more worthless, as they do not filter out any fumes, only part of the paint dust. Do a simple Google search for Isocyanates, you will find out more than you want to know.
|
|
|
