The Different Types of Particulates Found in Woodshops & the Importance of Wearing a Mask

Working in a workshop can be a incredibly rewarding experience. There's nothing like the smell of freshly cut wood and the sound of power tools humming. However, it's important to be aware of the dangers that come with working in a workshop.

One of the biggest dangers is exposure to particulate matter. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some examples of particulates that are common in workshops are sawdust, dust from sanding, and particulates created by power tools.

These particulates can cause a variety of respiratory issues ranging from coughing and difficulty breathing to more serious issues like cancer. That's why it's important to wear a dust mask while working in a workshop.

Types of Particulates Found in Workshops

There are three main types of particulates found in workshops: sawdust, dust from sanding, and particulates created by power tools. Sawdust is created when you cut wood with hand or power saws.

Dust from sanding is created when you sand wood using hand or power sanders. Particulates created by power tools are created when you use any type of power tool that creates airborne particulates. These include routers, lathes, chop saws, and table saws.

There are two types of wood dust; organic and inorganic.

Organic wood dust can include spores released by rotting lumber along with seeds, pollens, plant toxins and oils. Inorganic wood dust is made up of finishes, plastic laminates and any other inorganic material you may be working with in your shop.

The Dangers of Particulate Matter

Exposure to particulate matter can cause a variety of respiratory issues ranging from coughing and difficulty breathing to more serious issues like cancer. That's why it's important to wear a dust mask while working in a workshop.

The Benefits of Wearing a Mask

When choosing a dust mask, it's important to choose one that is comfortable so that you will be more likely to wear it often. It's also important that the mask fit snugly around your face so that there are no gaps for particulates to enter. The RZ Mask is the perfect option for woodworkers as it is comfortable, has an adjustable nose piece to prevent fogging of safety glasses, and is easy to use. Additionally, the RZ Mask is used by woodworkers all around the world.