I am in the process of doing research on different types of sand paper. We all know the dangers of wood dust but do you know that the dust as it wears off, from the most used sandpaper, aluminum oxide, is quite dangerous? I am just starting the research, so no I do not know all of the answers. For the past 2 years I have been getting very sick. No western doctors could tell me what was wrong. I even spent 5 days in the hospital having grouling tests only to be told nothing was wrong!? I was brought to the hospital in an ambulance and even morphine did not stop the pain!
After that I decided to go to a Dr. with Eastern training. Within 6 weeks he found out I was suffering from several types of heavy metal poisening, Aluminum leading the pac. I am in the process of eliminating all of the other sources and am down to the last,---
sandpaper.
Aluminum Oxide replaced silica on sand paper starting in the 40's because of health concerns. I also found an article that said the government has know since then, of the health problems of the dust from aluminum oxide but has never required any health warnings about the sandpaper, just warnings about the dust from the wood.
I guess what I am asking for is some help. I have refitted my shop increasing dust control. I am now trying to find out what paper is good for a replacement. I know there are several new types and maybe with your help I can find which kind is the best for me.
I am also trying to figure out what type of mask or such to use. I have the shop fitted with an overhead system that picks up the dust in the air so I am not sure if a big ventilation mask would be necessary.
I have had to sell several of my woodworking "toys" to finance all of this change.
Before anyone says anything about masks and dust control, yes I did everything I was supposed to, but apparently not well enough.
I trust the knowledge that is in this group of people and hope not only some of it can help me, but make everyone more aware of this problem for their own health.
Thanks in advance. Alice
After that I decided to go to a Dr. with Eastern training. Within 6 weeks he found out I was suffering from several types of heavy metal poisening, Aluminum leading the pac. I am in the process of eliminating all of the other sources and am down to the last,---
sandpaper.
Aluminum Oxide replaced silica on sand paper starting in the 40's because of health concerns. I also found an article that said the government has know since then, of the health problems of the dust from aluminum oxide but has never required any health warnings about the sandpaper, just warnings about the dust from the wood.
I guess what I am asking for is some help. I have refitted my shop increasing dust control. I am now trying to find out what paper is good for a replacement. I know there are several new types and maybe with your help I can find which kind is the best for me.
I am also trying to figure out what type of mask or such to use. I have the shop fitted with an overhead system that picks up the dust in the air so I am not sure if a big ventilation mask would be necessary.
I have had to sell several of my woodworking "toys" to finance all of this change.
Before anyone says anything about masks and dust control, yes I did everything I was supposed to, but apparently not well enough.
I trust the knowledge that is in this group of people and hope not only some of it can help me, but make everyone more aware of this problem for their own health.
Thanks in advance. Alice