Handling condensation in dust masks

Quoted text begins." . . . usually dripping with condensation from my breath, into a
plastic bag?"
End of quote.

I should have explained further I clean & dry the mask before
storing it in the plastic bag. Norman is correct - it is only the
cartridges that benefit from storage in the plastic bag. Though I
work mostly in stone, I also use plastic resins (epoxies, polyester
adhesives & fillers) paints, lacquers & varnishes, patina chemicals,
and other substances which create toxic fumes in my small studio.
These fumes are more insidious than the marble or limestone dust in
terms of 'aging' the chemical cartridges in the respirator, thus the
benefits of storing in an airtight container.

Over the years (teaching/working in various school's studios and
with working trips overseas), I have managed to collect perhaps four
or five respirators in addtion to several non-cartridge particulate
masks. Two or the cartridge-type respirator brands I have bought
locally have interchangeable parts (available from a manufacturer
within driving distance), and with a third brand I was able to get a
case of cartridges (several year's supply) along with two masks at a
really good price because the supplier was going out of business.

For a new teaching semester or when I am going to be working
specifically with silica-content sandstone, serpentine, granite or
extended periods of sandblasting I change the cartridge-type out,
revamping them in rotation (thorough dissassembly and cleaning,
replacing parts that wear-out besides the replaceable cartridges and
filters). When they are cleaned the respirators are stored in a
plastic bag to await their next turn.

Good Carving to You,
Don

http://www.dondougan.com