Dust Masks: Potential Drawbacks and How to Avoid Them

Many workers are required to wear dust masks because of the work they do, including those who are carpenters and woodworkers. The objective is to keep from inhaling the dust. However, sometimes the dust mask creates additional problems, which are not advantageous to the person wearing it.

Glasses Mist Up

• If you wear some sort of eye protection or glasses while working, along with the mask, misting of the glasses can occur particularly if the dust mask does not fit snugly around the nose.

Condensation

• When it is cold, the mask gets wet because of the air you expel, which causes condensation, and this isn't comfortable, notes GetWoodworking.

Respirator

• Consider wearing using a half-mask respirator that is equipped with a exhaust valve, which makes breathing easier and prevents condensation from forming and steaming up your glasses or making your mast wet and uncomfortable. The half mask respirator provides an excellent seal and can be used for prolonged periods of time.