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small paper dust masks

updated sun 2 may 99

 

Priscilla Hollingsworth on sat 1 may 99

Julie -

Some small paper dust masks are quite good, and are very appropriate
for protecting the wearer against free silica and other toxic dusts
found in a ceramics studio. Check the manufacturer's specs. A special
fitted fask mask that costs $25-30 is not necessarily more protective.

I teach in a college level program. I provide my students with good
quality paper masks that are rated for silica dust. The masks cost
about $3 each. At this rate, we can't afford a new mask every day. I
expect my students to care for and store their own masks in plastic bags
until they become too dirty.

Paper masks rated only for "nuisance dust" should not be used for
protection in a ceramics area. Look in ceramics supply catalogs for the
good ones.