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sinuses, asthma, dust

updated thu 16 nov 06

 

primalmommy on wed 15 nov 06


I keep thinking about the woman spraying glazes in her garage... I have
to take my kids to the doctor and don't have time to explain how
dangerous the things you're doing really are (and how typical of most
new potters) -- good for you for asking, research until you have your
answers.

I will say that clay dust in the sinuses can lead to sinus infections,
big time -- which, for me, triggers bad bouts of asthma (I developed it
at at 40). A clayarter wrote and explained to me about saline rinses for
the sinuses after being in a dusty environment. It will do nothing for
the smallest free silica already gathered in your lungs, but it can keep
your sinuses clear. (I'm also on flonase).

I have almost no trouble with asthma in the summers, but I know the
triggers: a cold will bring it on, big time... wearing myself out (I
have attacks at NCECA every year) -- irritants like pine pollen (I have
them during our Florida vacation every year) -- and dry dusty winter
conditions, like teaching at the guild with the forced air heat on and
all the windows closed, and all that bagged clay... probably our wood
stove at home, and the one in my studio, too...

When it's good, I forget I have it. When it's bad, my lungs will close
up like a fist at the smallest whiff of car exhaust, cleaning chemicals,
even after shave -- or when I step out from warm to cold air. I find
myself hunched over, pulling with my shoulders to help my lungs fill,
which is exhausting.

The other problem is that when my lungs are struggling, I can't pull air
through my rubber half mask respirator. The filters take a bit of extra
suck that I just don't have.

I sometimes wonder why I chose such a dusty pursuit. I have a lot of
control over the cleanliness and air quality of my own space, but to
teach my class or go to school, sometimes I just have to suck it up.
Literally.

Yours
Kelly in Ohio
(wood kiln pic at my blog, http://www.primalpotter.com )

PS: Lisa Skeen says ads are appearing below my emails. I don't see one
yet... testing...




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Arnold Howard on wed 15 nov 06


From: "primalmommy"
> I will say that clay dust in the sinuses can lead to sinus
> infections,
> big time -- which, for me, triggers bad bouts of asthma

I had a severe sinus headache a few weeks ago. The yoga head
stand cleared it up almost immediately.

Theodore Roosevelt cured himself of asthma through a
rigorous exercise program.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com