paua shell dilemma

Mike Hull

Mike Hull

Joined
Nov 25, 2000
Messages
5,548
A couple of years ago at a garage sale,my wife found a plate,about 6" dia.,it was marked Tahiti,back of the plate is black plastic of some sort.Anyway the thing is inset with about 16 pieces of good sized paua shell,in which resin had beeb poured over to seal them in.Tourist stuff.It is about 30 years old,cost my wife $.75.I have been thinking about getting the shell out of the plate,doing this without damage to the shell is the dilemma.Any ideas.:confused:
 
Mike, Your wife if going to kick your butt when she sees what do have done to her plate.

I have lots of the Paua shells if want some just email me. I havent cut them up because they make toxic dust.
 
Yeah Bruce,you're probably right,about the a** whoopin,and I certainly dont need any more toxins to grind.Thanks for the reply.
 
Bruce, is the dust from paua shell really toxic?
What are the toxins? Is there any info published info on this stuff? Preciate it. LarryD
 
Larry D, I may have used the word "Toxic" too loosely. I tried to grind some of my paua shell and quit after about 1 minute. I couldnt stand the dust and was worried about being ill from it. If I do it again it will be outside in the breeze. I really like the way it looks on a handle too. Ive seen it before in laminated form for sale. We should do some research to see if it is really too dangerous. I can smell it through my resperator.

Bruce B
 
My understanding is that the danger from grinding shells is from silica which is common in mineral substances. Sand is a common form of silica. The danger with inhaled silica is a disease called silicosis characterized by fiberous lung tissue creating shortness of breath. Needless to say this is a bad condition. Kind of like emphysema, coal miner's lung, and abestosis.

As with sand blasting and grinding operations, working with shell should only be done with a respirator and adequate ventilation.
 
Just like Bruce to grind it outside in a breeze so he gets his neighbors sick instead!!!:p

Nick
 
Check the instructions that came with your respirator before depending on it while sandblasting,or any other activity that has silica,or the like involved.Most dont cover these activities.Have to go with a supplied air type for that.:eek:
 
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