Dust Protection-Breathing

[mbaker]

Is there one device/manufacturer out there that is considered to be the best in breathing protection? Technical details if possible.
Thanks for any advice.
The stick guy.

[CaroleMeckes]

I have enjoyed using a "Dust be gone" mask for several years:

www.dustbeegone.com (http://www.dustbeegone.com/other_products.htm)

I also like to work with a fan which directs the dust away from me.

Carole

[kudzu9]

I am a woodworker and take lung protection seriously. If you want the best and most comfortable protection, you can get a face shield that has a small fan powered by a rechargeable battery. The fan pulls in air through a small filter and circulates it past your face. You stay cool, your glasses don't fog, and you don't get dust on your face and in your eyes. The downside is the initial cost. I am aware of two consumer models: the Trend Airshield (http://www.trend-usa.com/airshield.html) which I bought online for about $230, and the AirCap 2 (http://www.aircap2.com/) which is cheaper, but I can't remember the price...maybe about $175. I think the Airshield is better built, but the AirCap is lighter to wear. Either of these is much cheaper than a lung transplant!

[Mark Meckes]

Kudzu wrote... "you can get a face shield that has a small fan powered by a rechargeable battery. The fan pulls in air through a small filter and circulates it past your face. You stay cool, your glasses don't fog, and you don't get dust on your face and in your eyes. The downside is the initial cost."
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Ingenious!
Belt-sanders and disk sanders are the dustiest tools I use, and these masks look more appropriate for this dusty work.
... another item to add to my wish list of air filtration devices...

Of concern ... see last paragraph/this post.

Here's a thread from a while back on the discussion of...
Dust Masks (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=413)

This thread dwells on the subject of ...
Workplace dust (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=416)

An interesting article about...
Silicosis in Sandblasters: Health and Safety (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=719)

(Noted cause of silicosis) ... "Although the sandblasting operation was enclosed by blasting cabinets connected to exhaust systems, the cabinets were in poor condition and permitted clouds of dust to be released throughout the work area. Workers stood inside booths intended to protect them from inhaling crystalline silica. However, the booths actually increased the workers' inhalation of crystalline silica by drawing their air from surrounding areas with high silica contamination."