Using sandpaper - do you need a mask?

[Loki]

I'm about to head to the store and buy some sandpaper for weathering a few pieces of clothing. I've heard that using a mask when sanding is necessary because of the airborne particles, but if I'm only using a very small piece on a small pair of jeans, is it still necessary to use a mask?

Sorry for the stupid question. Peace.

 

[Cocoboloboy]

Unless you have a known allergy to what you're sanding or a lung condition that could be irritated by whatever you're sanding I wouldn't worry about it.

I've been a woodworker for over twenty years and I only wear lung protection when I'm really going to put some dust in the air or am working with a wood species or other product that I know irritates my lungs.

 

[Loki]

Thanks for the advice, I didn't pick up a mask. I just started sanding. The dust really isn't noticeable, so there probably wasn't a point to worrying about it in the first place.

 

[RavenEye]

No need for mask if using on jeans. Maybe on resin depending on size.

 

[Hidden Jitsu]

Yeah you only need a mask if sanding something like resin or wood.
One thing I do when dremeling is hold the Hoover nozzle and dremel over it so all the dust gets sucked into the Hoover.

 

[shells075]

I doubt it, unless your sanding down MDF which has some dangerous stuff in it.
If you're just sanding down cloth materials should be fine.

 

[Hidden Jitsu]

I have been airbrushing and spraying aerosol since 2001 without a mask
But now I wear one probably no point now but you know.

 

[RavenEye]

I go outside and let the wind carry it.

 

[Alastair]

Depends on how much dust you make. If using a Dremel or sander a dust masks would not go a stray. Hand sanding a figures neck or so should be fine.

 

[sparkstron73]

Yeah you only need a mask if sanding something like resin or wood.
One thing I do when dremeling is hold the Hoover nozzle and dremel over it so all the dust gets sucked into the Hoover.

Good tip but a bit noisy, well mine is
I bought a proper respirator mask when I was removing loft insulation, but have never used a mask dremelling heads.
Some of the resins are toxic and give off some vicious fumes so think I may in future.
Nothing wrong in being cautious probabley too late for me