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Hello just looking at getting a half face mask but all the P3 filters see say they offer P3 protection in full face masks but only P2 protection in half face masks.
Just trying to find out why a P3 filter offers less protection in a half mask when the air still has to pass through it.
Full face protection includes eyes which are an entry way to the body for vapours and dusts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tigglez
If you are allergic to a vapour or dust this can be just as easily triggered through eyes as by nose/mouth.
You can usually use P3 filters on a P2 kitted half mask.
Using a P3 filter on a half mask is better than using a P2 filter BUT they will clog quicker and won't offer the same protection as a P3 on a full masks.
This another reason why masks should be a solution of last resort, ie ALL other possible engineering solutions like proper dust extraction and ventilation have been exhausted (HA!).
DIY'ers in particular tend to go straight for masks but don't forget that wood allergies can also be triggered by skin contact with wood dust
Thanks for the quick response.
I have no wood allergies to worry about and don't do any finishing so preventing dust getting into my lungs is all the mask is for.
I will be doing all sawing, sanding and routing in the open in the backyard and have the tools connected to a portable dust extractor so would a full face mask with P3 filters still offer much more protection over a half mask?
Triggering of any allergies is poorly understood. Presumably it requires an number of factors to align, exposure, allergen (wood) type, low current immune response, tiredness, etcQuote:
Originally Posted by Tigglez
Allergies can strike at any time so just because you don't have any now does not mean one will not be triggered next week or tomorrow.
To answer your question yes a full face mask will be better than a half face because after nose/mouth the next fastest entry for allergens is eyes but skin is also significant and hard to control because covering up does not help all that much.
BTW working outside with a dust extractor is no guarantee of safety, especially if the space is enclosed by vegetation an/or buildings. Nearly all dust extractors leak dust that cannot be seen and end up completely fogging semi enclosed areas with fine dust.
I lost my sense of smell for 6 weeks back in 2002 after working outside on a large MDF desk carcase for about a week.. The first thing I noticed was the faint smell of BBQ sauce and a few hours later - lost my sense of smell. These days even a faint whiff of MDF dust brings on a BBQ sauce smell, but I haven't lost my sense of smell since because I always use high volume dust extraction than vents outside the shed.
It's usually safer to work inside a shed with good forced ventilation than working outside with none and relying on breezes.