Toolbox: Dust Masks

Here's what you should ask yourself: Will the area I'm working in be a dusty one? Or will I be exposed to fumes?

Disposable masks are inexpensive. They're best suited for light wood sanding and finishing jobs where you're dealing with nontoxic dust particles.

A nice thick mask made of woven materials like paper or recycled cotton is excellent for dusty conditions. It has two straps and an adjustable nosepiece. You can get a real good fit with this one, and it's good for work in most all dusty situations. Use this once, then throw it away.

Now if you're working hazardous fumes or vapors, you want to buy a respirator. Don't borrow one, because it's a personal item. It has at least one filter pack that neutralizes the vapors and hazardous fumes. Each respirator should list which chemicals or materials it is capable of handling.

Make sure your respirator fits well. That's the only way it's going to be effective. Just slide it over your head. The large strap should come on the top of your head and the smaller one just fits around the back of your neck. The mask should cover your nose and mouth and hug your chin without any gaps. Remember to clean the rubber parts with rubbing alcohol, and don't forget to change filters often.