markb
Cave Dweller 
Member since May 2022
Posts: 472 
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Post by markb on Jun 22, 2022 11:34:53 GMT -5
So, do all you cabbers wear a mask when you cab, or only sometimes?
I've heard some say the water will keep down any dust, and others say why take a chance.
So, which is it?
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Post by perkins17 on Jun 22, 2022 12:37:32 GMT -5
markb I read some threads on here about the effects of rock dust on the lungs, and I immediately ordered a respirator with particulate filters. I am not a smoker, and like my lungs quite a bit, so this seemed the best way to go. I wear a respirator throughout the entire cabbing process, and feel that it is the best idea. They aren't uncomfortable (I had to wear a mask all day at work during COVID-19 mandates so I'm kind of adjusted lol) and I feel that they are the best option for good health. I know old-timers who don't mask and never have, but I'm still pretty young and don't want to have lung issues as I get older. I hope this helps, -Nicholas
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Post by perkins17 on Jun 22, 2022 12:39:37 GMT -5
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 22, 2022 14:37:13 GMT -5
To be honest, I only wear a mask with material I know to be hazardous- like the copper bearing rocks. I use both geysers under the wheel, so I am using plenty of water.
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 479
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Post by hypodactylus on Jun 22, 2022 14:49:22 GMT -5
Great... now I need to get my hands on a Geiger counter... so expensive.... I've often been curious (more like worried) to know if any of my rocks are radioactive. Especially the ones from South/Central Utah. On a more thread related note... Supposedly, cutting/grinding wet should be sufficient in a ventilated space. However, I've started wearing an N95 (I don't use oil) respirator when I cut with my wet saw or grind with my flat lap. I know there is more to this than most people (including me) understand. I believe the risk of silicosis is dependent on particle size, particle shape, amount of exposure, etc. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Jun 22, 2022 14:49:38 GMT -5
I don't always use a mask, but I should.
Ear and eye protection, on the other hand, I never skip out on.
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Post by rmf on Jun 22, 2022 14:50:25 GMT -5
Old coot here started cabbing in 1972 and am still cabbing. I have a breathing issue due to afib but not any lung problems. No silicosis(Cab and worked in a metal mine), no Black lung (worked in a coal mine), Non-smoker. I use lots of water and with the geyser I use a dash (about 1-5 drops) of Palmolive diluted with water to add the water in the pan. Except for hazardous rocks as rockjunquie said no other precautions just lots of water. However, opinions vary as to body tolerances. What works(has worked) for me may not work for you. Some smoke and get lung cancer some don't. Who knows why. If you feel safer wearing a mask do it and don't look back. Just like covid in that regard. You are ultimately responsible for your action. We all live or die with the consequences of our choices. |
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 22, 2022 14:53:58 GMT -5
lots of water and readers for magnification and eye protecton.
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Post by mohs on Jun 22, 2022 14:57:50 GMT -5
I wear a mask when dry grinding Usally flat lapping Not so much with the wet wheels Long story or 2 I worked in grind shop In the early seventies We were really ignorant about lung safety it seems So if I'm going silicosis It better happens soon ha O and I started up grinding rocks again Just as the Corona thing started up Usually I have a good supply of masks Ran out happen to gohs to a tools supply warehouse That sells lots of hard to find grind tools Big sign out front
We have Masks! Great I’ll pick up couple of those too! Go to cash register w/ my abrasives tell the clerk I also take a couple masks, please That will be $75.00 We Only sale by the gross Well I called them: a bunch of gross chumps Left my grit on the counter  Its good habit to wear a mask all the time ! |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 22, 2022 14:58:08 GMT -5
Cover me! I'm going in!
This is me suited up for some Tiffanystone. The mask is leftover from my glassblowing days. I used to paint cars, too.
No stranger to a mask. If you need it, you need it.
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Post by perkins17 on Jun 22, 2022 15:06:30 GMT -5
Great... now I need to get my hands on a Geiger counter... so expensive.... I've often been curious (more like worried) to know if any of my rocks are radioactive. Especially the ones from South/Central Utah. On a more thread related note... Supposedly, cutting/grinding wet should be sufficient in a ventilated space. However, I've started wearing an N95 (I don't use oil) respirator when I cut with my wet saw or grind with my flat lap. I know there is more to this than most people (including me) understand. I believe the risk of silicosis is dependent on particle size, particle shape, amount of exposure, etc. I work a lot of dangerous materials so masks are necessary. One of my favorite hiking spots is on an atunite (uranium ore) deposit that was mined during ww2. I'm not super worried, just like to care for my long term health. |
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Post by mohs on Jun 22, 2022 15:19:27 GMT -5
 that one my favorite all time pics rockjunquie I recall one where you were all geared up and said were going in!
I got your back 
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Post by victor1941 on Jun 22, 2022 15:39:37 GMT -5
Masks, muffs and eye protection are always used. Better to be safe and not to take the chance. I don't know how well the mask work but I use them in addition to a fan that is blowing the mist away.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 22, 2022 15:41:10 GMT -5
that one my favorite all time pics rockjunquie I recall one where you were all geared up and said were going in!
I got your back Same one- just posting it for those who haven't seen it.  |
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Post by vegasjames on Jun 22, 2022 18:53:41 GMT -5
I never wear a mask. I just hold my breath until I am done. The lack of oxygen enhances the colors and makes little sparklies.  |
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ThomasT
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2022
Posts: 616
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Post by ThomasT on Jun 22, 2022 18:57:54 GMT -5
Silicosis is a slow killer and cannot be cured. Masks help prevent dust and water mist containing dust from entering the airways. If there is any dust on your clothes, aprons or around the equipment there is rock dust in the air in one form or another.
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Post by mohs on Jun 22, 2022 19:03:30 GMT -5
read about guys who live in El Salvador
they all said they smoke
because there was no chance in hell
they'd live long enough to die of cancer
grim realities
sometimes
mostly
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ThomasT
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2022
Posts: 616
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Post by ThomasT on Jun 22, 2022 19:09:09 GMT -5
A lot of stone workers in developing countries meet an early grave from no protection. Same was true for many workers in many mills here in the States before OSHA.
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Post by vegasjames on Jun 22, 2022 19:09:23 GMT -5
Silicosis is a slow killer and cannot be cured. Masks help prevent dust and water mist containing dust from entering the airways. If there is any dust on your clothes, aprons or around the equipment there is rock dust in the air in one form or another. True but silicosis requires inhaling more silica that can be removed by the lung cilia. I seriously doubt that cabbing is going to exceed this limit. If it were not for things like mucus and cilia to help trap and remove particles we would be in serious trouble as most of us inhale silica daily blowing around in the dust in the air. Despite this, silicosis is rare for the reasons I mentioned above.
I would worry a lot more about inhaling the arsenic in Congo malachite and bumblebee jasper.
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Post by mohs on Jun 22, 2022 19:16:41 GMT -5
certainly were much more enlighten grinders from the past geez those poor guys working the coal mines and elsewhere throughout history this is 100 year old grind that was in Phoenix blacksmith shop  can only imagine ... |
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