Gluesticks

How often should I replace a face mask used while spraying 3M Super 77 glue in a booth?

After I trashed my first pair of transition lens glasses, I decided to start wearing a mask and protective glasses (over my real glasses) when I'm working at the spray booth on the job. I found that my throat and nose felt congested after spraying lots of paper to foam boards, which also led me to start protecting myself beyond just trusting the filters at our spraybooths to protect my lungs/eyes. Does anyone know how long I can use one cotton & elastic band type of mask before I should replace it? Crap. My coworkers already think I'm paranoid for using the cotton mask. How can I tell if the spray booths are properly ventilated?

Public Comments

1. You shouldn't be using a cotton mask at all, you should be using a proper respiratory mask that has filters on aether side.Cotton masks are only good for General dust, they are useless when spraying glue!
2. Depending on the ventilation in the booth (do you have a fan with fresh air exchange?) you might want to consider a respirator mask because the cotton masks are mainly for particulates not chemicals. you can get one at any hardware store like home depot.
3. A cotton mask won't stop the fumes from glue when spraying. You should have a proper industrial mask that provides you with fresh air from outside the booth. You are a real risk of damaging your lungs and more if you persist.