: : I want to paint my tractor with polyurethane enamel. This type of paint uses an isocyanate hardener which is very toxic. I need a respirator, of course. But I have a full beard and don't want to shave it just to paint the tractor. Does anyone know of a source for respirators that cover your entire head? Maybe a "space-suit"? I'll bet they are expensive though; can they be rented?
: : thanks.: Protecting your health is important and smart. Yep, they are expensive. Some of the cartridge type respirators with silicone rubber bodies seal fairly well over my beard. I've heard that vaselene will improve the seal of one of these substantially. I've never tried it. One advantage of the full-head coverage is that your eyes are protected too. Also no overspray in your hair or beard or on your glasses. : Granger lists some powered by belt-mounted battery-fan packs starting around $400+accessories and going way up. You can probably rent anything - for a price. The air supplied has to be clean and pure, this means either very good filters (like the cartridges on regular respirators) (< < NOT SAFE cjg!!) or an outside, clean air-source. Then you need to be sure the fan or compressor doesn't heat, or pollute the air. Breathing air from any normal kind of compressors is extremely unhealthy. You end up with terrible lung problems from the oil that gets past the seals. Breathing-air compressors are very expensive. : There are also some units sold for wood-workers that can have suitable filters attached, they run about $400 also. If you can't rent one, vaselene is cheap! PLEASE BE ALERT!!!!!
FILTER CARTRIDGES APPROVED FOR ISOCYANATES DO NOT EXIST!!!!! !!!! Clinton
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