We're going to be rebuilding a house. I really want to help tear down paneling and paint, etc. Because of my chemical poisoning I can't do this unless I wear a mask. Those flimsy ones that you buy at the drug store don't do the trick and my glasses get steamed up. Can anyone recommend a good mask? Would goggles keep my glasses from steaming up? Thanks for you help.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), August 31, 2000

Answers

Request a catalog from Gempler's (www.gemplers.com). They carry a number of different respirators and the prices are reasonable.

-- Ken S. in TN (scharabo@aol.com), August 31, 2000.

Maybe think about using a pressure washer? They'll easily strip wood with paint in anything but top condition back to bare wood (and destroy some other things, like plaster); but in the right circumstances it could work without creating dust.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), September 01, 2000.

Hey Cindy,

Told you I know alot about this chemical stuff. Nontoxic Environments, Inc. 1(800)7894338, Allergy Resources 1(800)use-flax (they have a mask that looks comfortable with coconut shell carbon) and possibly NEEDS 1(800)634-1380 www.needs.com

My husband gave me a mask that looked like a gas mask. Had a cylinder in front but was made of a rubbery materail that made me sweat and really unconfortable so I didn't really use it as much as I should have. The bee masks they sell in hardward stores with charcoal in them work well. I sat in a computer class with one because one woman refused to stop wearing perfume. Everyone looked at me but I didn't care.

The goggles would still steam up because of sweat. The one mask in Allergy Resources looked like it would be comfortable and not make steam accumulate.

Now, screen off the section you are working in. Using sheets or plastic to keep the dust down to that area. Put your air purifier (if you don't have one, get one, you will be happier if you do) full alll the time in your bedroom (can turn it down at night) You will need a good, clean nights sleep after working in all that mess.

Keep remembering, it'll look great when it's done. Good luck

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), September 01, 2000.

Cindy, I totally agree with Dee about the air purifier!!!!! I use to sell commerical ones---we have 3 commerical ones---we use them all the time!!!! Check in your area--maybe a business that sells comerical ones/has reconditioned ones they will sell at a more reasonable price! Keep that sucker going the whole time you are working--also I bought that small air purfier that you wear around you neck--took it with me yesterday when I took my Mother to the doctor/ as my own Mother wears perfume that kills me--I couldn't tell it did any good--it may have a little--but don't believe it was worth the money I paid for it. Cindy--remoldeling---when we had this house remoldeled --I didn't do the work & I was still sick for months---get your immmune system built up before you start & keep takeing you vitamins while you do the job--as much less stress on your body as you can! Sonda in Ks.

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), September 01, 2000.

Cindy, I can't really recommend a mask, but the local hardware store sells the 3M maks - supposed to be good for doing sheetrock work, etc. - may be good for what you want to do. I have also seen them at Home Depot / Lowes, and they were around $5 a mask I think.

And I too concur with the air purifier and the "rest" you're system will need after being exposed to the allergins. We're remodeling here, and we have a "Living Air" purifier which does the whole house (we LOVE it and my wife can "feel" the difference in her breathing with and without it), and my 1 son has bad allergies so we have an additional HEPA filter in his bedroom as well now. Plus we have an allergenic filter for the CHA, and we end up changing it every 3 or 4 weeks.

And I have to take Claritin a few hours before I go in the attic, or else when I stir up the 50 years worth of dust and pollen up there, I have an allergic reation too. Don't know if this is an option for you or not, but if it is, I would suggest it.

-- Eric in TN (ems@nac.net), September 01, 2000.