Posted by RebelDead They have asbestos rated masks at home depot for like $20. But honestly unless you are wearing a hazmat suit when you explore you will always have particulates on your clothes. |
Posted by RebelDead Hey all of us old heads are still alive and kicking and some of us have been doing this 20 plus years. Myself included. You can minimize exposure but unless you are rolling around in it 24/7 you will be ok. ;) |
Posted by Zulu I'm just trying to minimize my exposure, I know nothing is 100% effective. |
Posted by blackhawk Every site isn't covered in blowing asbestos fibers. Learn what it looks like and where it's used. Not all pipe/boiler insulation is asbestos. If present and not contained avoid windy, dry days. Never stir up dust unnecessarily. If there's noticeable airborne particles where there's loose as asbestos, leave. Avoid heavily contaminated sites where full suits are needed not just respirators... Do not drag it home. One or multiple heavy exposures may eventually cause disease. Asbestos is not an issue if you follow the above advice. If you're really worried about it, never smoke. Almost everyone has had some exposure to it. |
Posted by RebelDead Hey all of us old heads are still alive and kicking and some of us have been doing this 20 plus years. Myself included. You can minimize exposure but unless you are rolling around in it 24/7 you will be ok. ;) |
Posted by Zulu So investing in a mask/using my mask would be unnecessary? |
Posted by highwayman You'll take in more asbestos breathing it in at a site as opposed to what's left on your clothes after you leave. I'd still recommend the investment. That being said many people have gotten ill second-hand as a result of family members working with asbestos bringing particles back on their clothing: http://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/ Take every reasonable step to minimize your exposure, but also remember that exposure to asbestos isn't guaranteed cancer, it's just an increase in likelihood, the size of which varies depending on a number of factors. |
Posted by Peptic Ulcer Honestly asbestos in abandonments is not that big a deal. I've been doing this for almost 20 years, smoking for about 15 and I'm cancer free - for now. If you're really that worried about it buy a P100 mask and a couple of filters at Home Depot for about $30-35. As far as your family goes, I have no idea how old you are but that's something you need to figure out for yourself. I have kids and honestly I'm Disney dad. There is very little that I won't let my kids try or do, as long as I know before hand. However when I draw the line, it's etched in stone and if they go behind my back they're on an extremely short leash for a while. I think that if you've been told no then you've either got to stop or figure out some way to get them involved so they understand the hobby. Imagine the conversation if you are arrested or injured after they said not to explore. As a parent I can assure you getting arrested would be the LEAST of their worries! |
Posted by Peptic Ulcer Something is better than nothing. I've used a wet bandana on a couple of occasions when you could see the stuff hanging in the air. Asbestos isn't your only inhalation concern. Mold, insulation, and dust can fuck you up more in the short term than asbestos can. As far as your parents are concerned, based on your comments above, my advice to you is get the fuck out. I got sick of my parents shit as a teenager and my birthday gift to myself at 18 was a moving van. Best thing I ever did. Having to stand on your own feet and make it on your own forces you to grow up fast. Time to leave the nest bud. |
Posted by highwayman I would assume the gas mask would be better than nothing. |
Posted by blackhawk Your biggest hazards are falls or things falling on you. Limiting your vision or doing things that distract you are not a good ideas. Myself and many others here have been injured or come very close to being injured or killed by falls. Open manholes, steel stairs the just end, hellholes in concrete floors, collapsing floors/stairs/roofs, corroded concrete anchors that pipes or catwalks are attached to just popping loose with hardly the slightest touch, etc. These are potentially life altering events that are near instant and what you need to be especially vigilant about whenever exploring a new or known site. |
Posted by Zulu I'm considering cutting around the goggles and making it half-faced. Good ol' DIY might be a good trait given my financial status |
Posted by blackhawk The correct filters alone for that mask maybe more expensive than a new half mask with the correct filters... you need particulate filters or combo chemical/particulate filters. |
Posted by Zulu I've got three particulate filters that are good for another three years after I open them. I'd trade it in, but it being a gift would make me feel like a douche, you know? |
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