Respirators (including “dust masks”) are supposed to form an airtight seal against your face. But facial hair can prevent a reliable seal, allowing you to inhale dust or fumes. That’s why OSHA says “respirators shall not be worn when facial hair comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face.” If you don’t want to shave, the deluxe solution is a PAPR (powered air-purifying respirator), which can set you back $1,000 or more.
There are lots of stinky, hazardous stuff in the shop that you shouldn’t be inhaling. Contact cement, polyurethane, lacquer, etc. Dust masks will do absolutely nothing to keep that stuff from your lungs. A charcoal filter respirator will. In fact you won’t even detect these odors when you’re wearing one. Here’s another tip. If you have pet messes to clean up, you can skip the “gag” factor by wearing your respirator!
Get this respirator here.
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