how do you guys manage leather dust and avoid exposure?

[thekid77]

Hey friends, I was just reading some literature about how leather dust is a carcinogen,  so I'm thinking how do I still continue to do what I love safely?

Is anyone out there or has anyone out there taken steps to limit their exposure? If so, what do you do?

Thanks:)

[MisterSmith]

Fresh Air mask in a well ventilated area when I'm sanding, same thing if i'm spraying resolene or dye.You can get a decent mask and replacement filters for a relative low price at the local hardware giant.

Edited December 12, 2016 by MisterSmith

[TinkerTailor]

Without reading the literature, i would bet that veg tan is going to be much less carcinogenic than chrome tan and i would also guess that the glue, dye, rubber  and finish in the dust is also the major culprit. Shoe makers use sanding as an operation more than most any other leather trade, and they also use the nastiest chemicals and products on that leather meaning the data on carcinogenic nature is likely skewed. I doubt many harness and saddle makers get cancer from the dust.  If you are grinding away soles on boots all day, get a mask and filter system, if you are just doing the edges on a veg tan holster once a week, I would not worry as much.

Now as for vapours from spraying/product application, absolutely get a mask rated for organic vapour. Your brain will thank you.

Edited December 12, 2016 by TinkerTailor

[Chrism]

Spirit based dyes do not come off well.. and I sprayed one time and had red burgers for almost a week. lesson learned lol. your auto parts stores carry paint masks (3m makes good ones that oreilly auto carries).

[Windrider30]

Umm we are suppose to wear masks when using glues and dyes and now dust?! Did I miss a memo?? Oh well use to work in a plastic blowmolde factory, helped dad in his cabinet making, help rebuild half  a boat, and worked in a chicken processing plant...pretty sure I am going to die of something..so what the hell why bother?!

[OLDNSLOW]

RED BURGERS, only when I order my prime rib

 

[TinkerTailor]

42 minutes ago, Windrider30 said:

so what the hell why bother

I will admit i never used masks and the like for most of my life. I have painted and sprayed and cleaned so many things in poorly ventilated areas, and it never bugged me. Unfortunately now I have become sensitized and I get a debilitating headache from fumes in no time. I know people who are much more sensitive than me. Its not the death i am worried about, it is the headaches. I wear a mask now.

I also have hearing loss in my right ear from various ways i abused my hearing in youth. Mostly motors, explosions and extremely loud music (135db+). Considering what I put them through, I'm surprised they work at all. I wear earplugs for anything remotely loud now. I want to keep what i have left. Tinnitus sucks.

[bruce johnson]

Glue fumes can be nasty, most any dust isn't good. Some people will never have a problem and other will do something for 20 years without a problem, then on day #7305 they do. Masks are cheap, gloves are cheap, ear plugs are cheap, vacuums are cheap, fans are cheap and windows usually open easily. Now that I have switched over from leather work to leather tools, I can also add that leather aprons with leg shields are cheap, leather sleeves are cheap, and eye protection is cheap. My biggest problem used to making myself put it all on. At my other job (and likely yours) there are all these safety posters that take up wall space. I made up a non OSHA approved version for my little home shop. Laminated right there on the door - eye high for me to read every time I walk in. It has sure helped me to safety up.  I attached a copy below here.

[chiefjason]

Mask and hook a shop vac up to my sander when I'm using it.  I use the mask when I'm gluing now too.  It's there, might as well.  

I had an art professor that was violently allergic to a very specific kind of paint thinner, then kind he used for nearly 30 years before he became allergic to it.  He would not allow it in his class and talked the school store into not carrying it.  

[Windrider30]

on the glue note I have stopped using rubber and contact cement, I am now hooked on Eco-flo leather weld. Its a water based contact glue looks like elmers glue almost. you apply it while its wet to one or both sides (I do both pieces) apply pressure while its wet and wait for it to dry which doesn't take too long to set. two bonuses to it A: water baised great for the environment and safe around the moron dogs that currently live with me and B: no smell!