3M mask mold protection

[Guest guest]

I ALIKEke tHAT ALL THE TIME. tHE ONLY TIME i CAN GO without A 3M MASK IS IN BEDROOM WITH AIRCONDITIONER AND HEPA FILTER AIR CLEEANER. i USE N-95 8210? iS THIS ANY DIFFERENT OR BETTER OR WORSE THAN WHAT YOU WEAR? tHE COUGH STARTS IN SECONDS, THE SMELL IS OVERWHELMING. mY ALLERGIST IS SENDING ME TO MASS GENERAL TO A SPECIALIST HE SAYS HE SENDS EXTREME CASES TO. I KEEP GETTING WORSE. NO OLD BUILDINGS , NO WOODS, ITS TERRIBLE. LAST WEEK I ACTUALLY GOT WHATEVER TERM MY DOC CALLED IT TODAY BUT HIVES UNDER MY SKIN IN MY FACE. VERY PAINFULL AND PREDNISINE DIDNT WORK FAST. ANYWAYS....I WOULD LIKE AN OPINION ON THE MASK I WEAR 24/7 . THANK YOU....JANET STEVENS

[Guest guest]

I think Jeff is on to the right idea. Though one can possibly have an

allergic reaction to microbial VOCs, most allergic reactions are to larger

particles, mold cell walls, select carbohydrates and proteins. These are

readily filtered by the 3M masks (I use model 8233). Also, many odors do

carry not just as vapors, but as microdroplets or absorbed on solids, like

VOC on mold cells, or fragrance compounds on perfume fixatives or powders

(fixatives and powders are sometimes more irritating to sensitized people

than are the actual perfumes), and these are also filtered with the 3M mask,

eliminating more problems than one might expect. Thus, you might actually

notice a reduction in odors when wearing these masks, even though they are

not rated for VOC removal.

A big concern is whether the victim can feel an attack coming on, or if it

is too late by the time the effect is felt. I have not had anaphylaxis, but

I do react like Shelia in certain buildings, but not all. I start an intense

cough within minutes, sometimes just seconds. If I leave right away, the

cough subsides in a few minutes, before wheezing can start. If I must stay,

I put on a 3M mask and get the protection I want.

I suspect Shelia's allergy is to some mold or bacterial bioaerosol.

Airplanes flying at high altitude have very dry air, not conducive to mold

growth, and thus not likely to trigger a mold allergy problem. I have never

had a problem in an airplane, though I have reacted in some airports.

Gil

From: Jeff May <jmhi@a...>

Date: Wed Sep 4, 2002 4:48 pm

Subject: Re: [] Plane Travel

Joe,

The 3M 8710 mask consists of a very fine fiberglass mat safely encased

in cotton. The cellulose fibers in the mask have some absorptive capacity

for VOC but only short term. I have used the mask in fragranced rooms where

I don't have to spend much time, but it will not work for a long plane trip.

(I never go anywhere without these masks!) On the other hand, there are

disposable charcoal masks that might serve both purposes.

I recall recently seeing that less than 10% of people have colds in the

winter, but for people that have been on an airplane within the previous

week, the number goes up to 20%. The cellulose in the mask absorbs exhaled

moisture and releases it back into the inhaled air, moistening it and making

it that much easier (and safer) to breathe on the plane.

JM

Joe Klein wrote:

Jeff,

If she has multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), will this mask filter out

any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which may affect her on the plane?

Jeff May wrote:

Just wear a NIOSH N95 fine particle mask (3M 8710 or Gerson 1710) available

in most hardware stores. You should have nothing to worry about (except the

stares of others, which isn't really much of a concern).

JM

tis_herself_sheila wrote:

I had an anaphylactic reaction three years ago after a month-long

exposure to mold/mildew/sewage contaminated records at the office.

Tried going back to work at four separate locations, but had severe

reactions each time and can no longer work.

I continue to have reactions without any rhyme or reason; this

restaurant, not that; this store, not that one; this house not okay

this one is, etc etc etc

I would very much like to do a little traveling but the idea of being

30000 feet in the air with only my epipen breathing in God only knows

what is a bit frightening. My allergist says if I took prednisone the

night before I'd " probably " be okay. I don't like the other side

of " probably. "

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