Paint mask
Encyclopedia
A paint mask is a flexible pad held over the nose and mouth by elastic or rubber straps to protect against paint
mist
s or vapor
s. A paint mask is worn in the same fashion as a dust mask
or surgical mask
, but it is dangerous to confuse the three because they each protect against specific airborne dangers. Using the wrong mask for a job can present a significant and possibly deadly danger as some masks may protect against dust particles, but not protect against chemical vapors.
Paint masks are a cheaper, lighter, and possibly more comfortable alternative to respirators, but may not provide as much protection, and may be more susceptible to misuse or poor fit.
Enforcing the use and availability of paint masks for workers, improvements in the effectiveness and ease of use of paint masks, and research into the effects of inhaling paint fumes, are all indicative of the success of the labor movement.
Paint
Paint is any liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition which after application to a substrate in a thin layer is converted to an opaque solid film. One may also consider the digital mimicry thereof...
mist
Mist
Mist is a phenomenon of small droplets suspended in air. It can occur as part of natural weather or volcanic activity, and is common in cold air above warmer water, in exhaled air in the cold, and in a steam room of a sauna. It can also be created artificially with aerosol canisters if the...
s or vapor
Vapor
A vapor or vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical point....
s. A paint mask is worn in the same fashion as a dust mask
Dust mask
A dust mask is a flexible pad held over the nose and mouth by elastic or rubber straps to protect against dusts encountered during construction or cleaning activities, such as dusts from drywall, concrete, wood, fiberglass, silica , or sweeping...
or surgical mask
Surgical mask
A surgical mask also known as a procedure mask is intended to be worn by health professionals during surgery and at other times to catch the bacteria shed in liquid droplets and aerosols from the wearer's mouth and nose....
, but it is dangerous to confuse the three because they each protect against specific airborne dangers. Using the wrong mask for a job can present a significant and possibly deadly danger as some masks may protect against dust particles, but not protect against chemical vapors.
Paint masks are a cheaper, lighter, and possibly more comfortable alternative to respirators, but may not provide as much protection, and may be more susceptible to misuse or poor fit.
Enforcing the use and availability of paint masks for workers, improvements in the effectiveness and ease of use of paint masks, and research into the effects of inhaling paint fumes, are all indicative of the success of the labor movement.