Posted by General Zod This reminds me of a grain elevator in Buffalo with a layer of pigeon poo at the bottom that is inches deep. The smell was incredible and strong enough to make you wonder if you should leave. This is the first time I've seen someone say they caught "pigeon lung". Is that what they diagnosed you with?

There is a church here in Buffalo I was at a few weeks ago that was like this. The upper levels were covered with a thick layer of bird droppings. I will up date with a picture when I get home. It was pretty nasty.

Posted by blackhawk Unlike asbestos, falls, fungal/bacterial/virus infections can have immediate and severe life altering consequences to the victim.

You know thank you for all the info, and directing us to where we should be concentrating. I knew this stuff was a concern but didn't know it could actually be so deadly.

Posted by LuminousAphid You know thank you for all the info, and directing us to where we should be concentrating. I knew this stuff was a concern but didn't know it could actually be so deadly.

Well said Luminous. I had given the falls, fungal/bacterial/virus infections a thought but I guess because of the media spotlight on asbestos is why it comes to mind before the infections do.

I personally wear a respirator, ive worked in asbestos abatement and removal projects, ive seen what it does to people, my rule is safety first when it comes to asbestos

I'm new at this and I intend to buy a respirator in the near future. I don't think two or three more excursions without one are going to fuck me up too badly, so long as I don't disturb too much asbestos or go to too many places with asbestos warnings.

I'm not overly worried about this stuff based on where I usually explore, but how much more protection is a respirator vs a cheap dust mask? while I'm sure its better than nothing, does a dust mask protect you from many of these things (ie mold, virus, or asbestos)? Or is a respirator the only way to go?

Posted by Herm I'm not overly worried about this stuff based on where I usually explore, but how much more protection is a respirator vs a cheap dust mask? while I'm sure its better than nothing, does a dust mask protect you from many of these things (ie mold, virus, or asbestos)? Or is a respirator the only way to go?

A dust mask is pretty futile when it comes to asbestos. The asbestos fibers particles go through a dust mask like a marble going through a hula hoop. Same would apply to viruses I believe, although that's not the biggest concern generally with exploring.

A dust mask, however, IS reasonably effective against most mold spores, if I understand correctly. But I'd still recommend a face mask.

This thread, written by a good man with a masters in virology, will tell you everything you ever wanted to know:
http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=108617

Posted by DJ Craig A dust mask is pretty futile when it comes to asbestos. The asbestos fibers particles go through a dust mask like a marble going through a hula hoop. Same would apply to viruses I believe, although that's not the biggest concern generally with exploring. A dust mask, however, IS reasonably effective against most mold spores, if I understand correctly. But I'd still recommend a face mask. This thread, written by a good man with a masters in virology, will tell you everything you ever wanted to know: http://www.uer.ca/...=1&threadid=108617

True. The most dangerous asbestos fibers are the microscopic ones. With both asbestos and mold spores clothing contamination is an issue as well. Heavily contaminated areas containing dry airborne asbestos are best to leave alone because of this.
With virulent pathogens like hantavirus any filter mask is better than nothing. It's important to keep your unwashed hands away from your face, and protect any broken skin from exposure. Wash all contaminated clothing, preferable change clothing before getting into car and bag it.

I just learned that the house I lived in all my life had walls lined with asbestos. Learned it from an neighbor that moved in next door to the old place, He recognized the white clouds coming out of the windows as the landlord tore the walls down. Turns out he's a contractor. :p

Posted by gr8fzy1 I just learned that the house I lived in all my life had walls lined with asbestos. Learned it from an neighbor that moved in next door to the old place, He recognized the white clouds coming out of the windows as the landlord tore the walls down. Turns out he's a contractor. :p

Never heard of it being used to line walls. Usually as pipe insulation.
Either way you have probably nothing to worry about. The people who ripped it out might... if it was asbestos. Not everything fluffy and white or grey is asbestos. You really need to eyeball it close, sometimes under a microscope to know for sure.

Since the last place I went to had a lot of mold I'm investing in an additional respirator which filters mold specifically. I also have one for asbestos. Its a cheap investment considering what the consequences could be.