[AT] respirators and Isocyanates (Urethane paint)

[Alan Nadeau]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Wilkens" <jwilkens at eoni.com>
 Why not use shop air for an
> air-supplied mask if  sources away from the paint fumes and goes
> through the usual moisture filters and has no inline oil
> injector?  (Cost is a factor here).

Because most shop compressors use oil lubricated pumps.  Unless you can 
filter out ALL petroleum vapor you're going to be breathing oil vapors.  Not 
a lot, maybe, but in this case any is too much.   I used to work for a 
company that had a diving operation so I've been on the periphery of 
discussions about that.  Not sure about the medical name for it but it was 
generally referred to as Petroleum Inhalation Pneumonia.

Cheap is NOT a thing to consider in this case!  I watched eBay for quite a 
while for "supplied air respirator" and managed to pick up a system with 
twin masks and a certified oil free pump for around $400.  Hated to part 
with the money but figured it was just a matter of time before something I 
was spraying got the better of me.

Now that I have it I find excuses to use it.  Works fantastic for keeping 
clean when spraying (with a Wagner Power Painter) latex, overhead.  A set of 
hooded tyvek coveralls and the respirator and all I have to do is shed the 
outer layer when I'm done and it's instant clean.  I even use the system 
under my sandblast hood.  No more lens fogging now.