Snot and Respirators

Colby L.

Colby L.

Joined
Feb 3, 2020
Messages
91
Hi All -

I have a question regarding snot after wearing a respirator. I have a full face 3m respirator that I use for grinding. I grind outside with a box fan blowing across my face. When I hand sand I either use the full face or a 3m half mask (7xxx series) and have a HEPA air purifier running next to me. I have never had them fit tested but I can cover the vents and breathe in and nothing gets through.

My question is that it seems that after a couple hours of work when I check the color of my boogers they seem to have gone from fairly clear to slightly white. Everything seems to have a good fit (I can't smell acetone with the full face on - I have combo cartridges). From reading up on white snot it says it could be caused from dehydration and dry sinuses. I am thinking perhaps since the filters are likely taking all the water vapor out of the air it could just be drying me out causing the phenomenon. Or it could be that some particulates are getting through. Has anyone else experienced this? I understand the only way to ensure a proper fit is with a certified test, which I am looking into, but I wanted to get some anecdotal feedback from you all. Thanks in advance!
 
Grinding dust definitely doesn't cause white boogers, whether it's wood or steel. Can't speak to the dehydration.
 
Great, thanks Stacy and Keith that is re-assuring. I'm just trying to make sure I'm set up for success in the long term. I'll proceed with my current ppe practices.
 
Yeah the more "white" they get is just less moisture in them. If you were getting grinding dust into nasal passage it would be turning greys, blacks, browns etc.
 
Bilj said:
Hi All -

I have a question regarding snot after wearing a respirator. I have a full face 3m respirator that I use for grinding. I grind outside with a box fan blowing across my face. When I hand sand I either use the full face or a 3m half mask (7xxx series) and have a HEPA air purifier running next to me. I have never had them fit tested but I can cover the vents and breathe in and nothing gets through.

My question is that it seems that after a couple hours of work when I check the color of my boogers they seem to have gone from fairly clear to slightly white. Everything seems to have a good fit (I can't smell acetone with the full face on - I have combo cartridges). From reading up on white snot it says it could be caused from dehydration and dry sinuses. I am thinking perhaps since the filters are likely taking all the water vapor out of the air it could just be drying me out causing the phenomenon. Or it could be that some particulates are getting through. Has anyone else experienced this? I understand the only way to ensure a proper fit is with a certified test, which I am looking into, but I wanted to get some anecdotal feedback from you all. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Yes, it dehydration , This also dries out your mouth. Biotene makes a gel that you can get at most Pharmacies. Your teeth can rot out from dry mouth because your saliva protects your teeth. I also have had to take a blood Pressure med for 30 years that and most other meds give you dry mouth. The combo has cost me $$$$$ So I suggest others use a little Biotene Gel in your mouth before each shop session with a Respirator. It can save you thousands!
 
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