From: Zack Mansdorf <mansdorfz**At_Symbol_Here**BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Cloth face masks trapping fumes
Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:45:16 -0400
Reply-To: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
Message-ID: 013301d6499f$344604c0$9cd20e40$**At_Symbol_Here**bellsouth.net
In-Reply-To


Sally:

 

 

Volatiles are vapors (not fumes although this is a common term used) and therefore cannot be trapped in any type of face covering unless it is splashed by the chemical. We have had a very long discussion already on using face coverings in labs so I will not reiterate that point further other than to say if a respirator is needed-wear a respirator. If there is the possibility of a splash, wear a face shield. If you are working in a hood and it is properly designed, there should be no chance of any inhalation of vapors unless the student puts their head in the hood or it is not turned on or not functioning properly.

 

I am sure others will chime in.

 

Zack

S.Z. Mansdorf, PhD, CIH, CSP, QEP

Consultant in EHS and Sustainability

7184 Via Palomar

Boca Raton, FL 33433

561-212-7288

 

 

 

From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU> On Behalf Of Burgmeier, Sally
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 4:11 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Cloth face masks trapping fumes

 

My teaching colleagues are concerned that cloth or surgical face masks worn by students or faculty in a chemistry lab setting where volatile chemicals are used, for example organic lab, could trap fumes within the masks and therefore be harmful to the user? They are wondering if face shields should be worn in labs instead of cloth face masks to prevent covid19 spreading, but mot allow chemical fume buildup.

  We do have fume hoods for every student to use. Any guidance on this issue?

Thank you,

Sally Burgmeier

Chemistry Safety Officer

Augustana College

 

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