dust disposal

["linda davis" <lindadavis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Casey,

    Here's the lowdown. Soapstone dust is actually chemically toxic.  To
elaborate, it is a poison.  I don't use the stuff.

    Any fine dust (including dry clay for those of you who are also potters)
can cause a disease called silicosis. This irreversible disease is brought
about by the repeated cutting and scaring of lung tissue by small particles
of dust.  that scaring causes a reduced ability of your lungs to absorb
oxygen.  Once you  have this disease there is not much you can do about it.
It's a lot like emphysema.  Portable oxygen tanks are not cool and can put a
crimp in one's social life

    I happen to think that when one is wearing good goggles, a respirator
mask,  a pair of heavy gloves, steel toe boots and appropriate clothing one
is tres chic.   Dying  for the love of one's art is a notion that has
previously been considered romantic but has recently been proven to be just
plain dumb.

-mike

P.S. If you ever do any metal casting just know that melting styrofoam puts
off styrene gas that is incredibly incredibly incredibly toxic and is not
blocked by charcoal respirators. It is outlawed in England don't do it.