Filter for organic vapors ok for alcohol fumes?

[Housesparrow]

Using pure alcohol seems like over the top for a hobby like scale modeling, but I am willing to consider it at some point.

What I am wondering, is, presumably it isn't healthy to inhale the fumes from a cannister of pure alcohol, so what type of mask filter would be appropriate to protect yourself.

[Pat C]

I tend to thin acrylic paints for spraying with 70% IPA and clean out the brush with it and I use a respirator with organic vapour filters. I suspect inhaling the stuff is best avoided but I have been known to directly ingest 40% strength alcohol from time to time which is probably far worse

Pat

[LaurieS]

Hi.

Not cheap to get a good mask with takes the filters which will give protection for the alcohol fumes.

I use this mask which is good quality. Cost as you will see about £20 that is without the filters.

http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/ce/en/product/832401/Willson-1001573-WILLSON-HALF-MASK-VALUAIR-PLUS-Depending-on-the-Filter

This mask takes numerous filters which are approved by the relevant bodies for use with a variety of fumes and airborne particles.

The downside is that these filters cost a lot more than the mask. Think you will find that cheaper masks and filters are not certified

as being capable of protection and probably are not capable.

Worth reading this. http://www.poison.org/articles/2013-sep/inhaling-alcohol-is-dangerous

Laurie

Edited April 19, 2016 by LaurieS

[Housesparrow]

The reason why I am asking is that I have a half mask that has a filter for organic vapors. So I was wondering if perhaps the filter was made for such fumes. Might as well not be for all I know.

[LaurieS]

The reason why I am asking is that I have a half mask that has a filter for organic vapors. So I was wondering if perhaps the filter was made for such fumes. Might as well not be for all I know.

If the filter you have is of good quality and approved for certain uses it will have the type of filter written on it.

I would put what ever is designated in search and see what comes up. If it is a good authenticated filter it will

list the activities for which the filter is appropriate.

but I have been known to directly ingest 40% strength alcohol from time to time which is probably far worse

Pat

Yes no filter for that Pat but an outstanding feeling of well being can be achieved. Best I understand

to have a malted one as they are much less harmful.

Laurie

[Pat C]

Housesparrow as far as I am aware, alcohol is an organic compound. Your filter should be made to a particular safety standard which will determine its effectiveness for particular vapour types and concentrations. I use a 3M filter 6055 on a half face mask.

I note the article above relates to deliberately inhaling alcohol in order to get intoxicated rather than small amounts that you might experience during a spraying session. Nevertheless I do use a mask, but as I said I undo that good by pouring the stuff down my throat from time to time ( not the same stuff I use to spray wish I hasten to add!).

Pat