I did a recent paint job inside a clients home in Placerville, CA. I used a surgical mask to protect myself from the fumes that get released from fresh paint. Also called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which is found in many paints.
The surgical mask was not enough protection.
However the mask did help prevent the intensity of the strong vapor during painting. I’m sure I had some protection, but that evening I felt like there was this chemical inside my nasal cavity, and possibly further in the nasal conchae.
Food tasted normal and I was still able to smell. But I felt uncomfortable until the feeling was almost gone early the next day.
I needed to purchase the right mask.
I do not advertise painting as a service because it’s not my favorite. But if a client does ask for painting it I will usually accept the job if I am not busy in my schedule.
I searched for a better mask to buy. There are basically three levels of protection: basic, better and best.
- N95 disposable mask is the basic protection to get (and a lot better than a surgical mask). But even these are not enough to stop the VOC fumes.
- The half face piece like the P100 are much better than the basic and will help with filtration against strong fumes.
- The best is the full face 6800 Respirator which offers the best protection. But these masks are for those who do heavy spray painting and work with other chemicals.
Spending money to protect yourself is worth it!
The best mask from my research ranges from $110 – $299.
Since I do not usually do painting and I intend to purchase paints with no VOC fumes (Water based paints do not contain this), I ended up purchasing the middle option of the P100.
I used to work with others who would paint without using any protection. I see the inconvenience and masks are mainly uncomfortable.