discussion Face mask filter lifespan

[Guest]

I feel like I have too many questions at the moment but with a face mask (I have the one with all the organic filters on it ABEK1 or something?) how do you know when the filters needs replacing? Is it as simple/obvious as you can start to smell the fumes or is it more subtle than that? On the (highly appreciate) advice of the sages on here I've been keeping the mask in a large ziploc bag but obviously don't want to carry on using it if it's losing efficacy.

Cheers all!

 

[AlanG]

I personally have only changed my filters whenever i've either started to smell the fumes or after 6 months, whichever is sooner.

 

[Guest]

I'm obviously not doing enough painting then, I've had these filters in for over 6 months now - and at £20+ a pair I'm in no rush to replace them prematurely! Can they be had any cheaper out of interest?

 

[stona]

My filters are the same as those used by the guy at work who sprays a hideous smelling lacquer onto aluminium. He probably sprays for as long in one week as I spray in three years! I've had the mask about three years and have changed the filters once.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

Depends Rob

If I was using enamels then I would change every 3 months. If I left off the mask when airbrushing this stuff my nose felt awfull for hours. ie all this stuff in the nose goes into the filter. Now use totally Vallejo acrylics.

If I leave off the mask when using Vallejo there is no difference. So I would say you can go longer with filters with Vallejo. Vallejo say their acrylics are harmless, non toxic, but recommend using a mask. Get that ! But physical experience tells me enamels are poison.

Laurie

 

[AlanG]

I only change mine so often because i used to work with alot of hazardous vapours when i was working in the RAF. And those years of doing so has taken it's toll on my lung health. So i'm just protecting what health i have left lol. I am probably over cautious but i'd rather be safe than sorry. Also i can't remember the active life of the carbon filters before they become saturated