antler dust

Rusty

Rusty

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Had been using some elk stag and shaping it into a knife handle with files and sandpaper two weeks ago. No powertools. Never thought of it being hazardous, so never wore mask.

I don't know that it has any connection, but about then I started having respiratory probs which stopped me from further work on the handle, and teetered on edge of having to go on oxygen for a week. Am doing better now.
Doctor has never pinned down cause, but am starting to become suspicious. Noted a couple threads on wood dust, but nothing specific to horn, antler, or ivory.

Has anyone else had probs with breathing after being around fairly small quantities of such dust?
 
No problem working with moose or deer antler, and my hayfever would tell me if there was a problem. When doing serious dremel work I duct tape the nozzle of a ShopVac to the vise; that helps keep down the dust. I understand that some exotic materials like ivory can carry infectious diseases, though.
 
yes you can get anthrax from ivory...but only if the elephant had it....dust is bad for you....any kind...i have had asthma since i was a kid and they told me house dust was the worst thing....so when i grew up i got a job sanding surfboards....makes sense right...then i started grinding steel and exotic woods for fun....dont breath that crap...or anything else....always wear a mask, and i mean a respirator..or you will die with emphazema or something worse...sincerely....dr. mayo.....ph.k.

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
I've never had a problem with stag besides of the smell. I must admit that I work without a mask - mayby I should start wearing one. Just stopped smoking, and now this will kill me instead ?
 
Well, I've worked with antler before, both with and without a respirator on, but I never had the type of reaction that you're describing.

Perhaps you should speak to a respiratory specialist, to determine if you have some other, latent condition that the dust was aggravating? That, or an allergist, and find out...maybe you're allergic to antler? Weirder things have happened. Anyway, my two cents...


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It's the SUSPENSE that kills me! --Bugs Bunny
 
PK - matter of fact, I did stop smoking 3 months back. Maybe tobacco's revenge on me? LOL Was also savng dust and using cyanoacrylate ( super glue ) to fill cracks and then sanding off.

Whatever did it took 2 weeks to start getting better. I think I'll return the oxygen tank Monday. Yeah, it was that close. Could have been allergy. Gained 10 lbs in one week - edema, put on diuretic and began to improve.

Anyway, not going back to that project for a while. And your comments are really appreciated. Thanks, and I mean it. Rusty
 
Rusty,

I have worked with a lot of India Stag, and Elk Stag carries a lot of similar characteristics. But I have never heard of respiratory problems to the degree of what you have faced.

Rule of thumb is always use good quality respirators, you can't afford to not protect yourself.

I know that when working with mother of pearl, it is a MUST that you have a respirator. So I guess with stag etc. it is better to take the extra measure and use the proper gear.

I hope you get well soon.

Ric
 
There are too many variables with organics. You can set off a latent allergy or catch anything that the animal might have had. I first started sanding stag without a respirator, and my asthma made me regret it pretty quickly, so now I know better. I would suggest a good respirator, especially if you have other lung problems. You can get one for under $20.00 from Home Depot.
It couldn't hurt...
Oz
 
It's alwayse a good practice to wear a respirator for airborn contaminants . However on the lighter side the Chinese have been making teas out of Deer, Rhino and Reigndeer horn for centuries. They claim that it is an aphrodesiac. (sorry for the bad spelling) so why pay 10.00 a piece for Viagra
How do I know,you ask ? well my wife is Chinese/ Hawaiian. Oh about the 10.00 each,Weeeeeellll I plead the fifth!! Ha LOL
Aloha!!Ken
 
Ken...

What you are saying has a lot of merit to it. This is very true that through out many places in Asia, do they grind the horn in to a power to enhance their sex life.

How crazy, horns to make you horny...
smile.gif


Ric
 
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