On 2005-03-05, Silvan wrote:

Yup. Nothing really works. I feel like a dust mask actually forces me to
inhale *more* dust, because it concentrates it at the interface between
beard and mask. The alternative looks unwieldy, but more importantly,
those hood things are frickin EXPENSIVE. It's a problem I wish I could
solve, but it's kind of a question of weighing the risk of occasional dust
inhalation against having SWMBO perpetually ****ed off at me for shaving
the beard. She *likes* the beard.

Use a 3M AirMate. As you mention, it's very expensive ($800) but still quite
a bit cheaper than a new set of lungs, or any surgery on your eyes. Mine
has the full face shield, a hard hat and a positive pressure to keep dust
and gas out of my lungs. I also have a beard which is NEVER EVER coming off.

I usually use a simple HEPA filter, but have a combo ammonia/HEPA unit for
fuming with 30% ammonia. I had two episodes of asthma that left me unable
to stand up for an hour after some exercise. Turned out to be acid reflux
disease dumping acid into my lungs. $3/day worth of pills fixed that, but
I retained the desire to keep crap out of my lungs/eyes and ears. Almost
any protective gear is going to be cheaper than a visit to the hospital or
medical specialist(s).

--
I can find no modern furniture that is as well designed and emotionally
satisfying as that made by the Arts and Crafts movement in the early years
of the last century.