Hypochondria filter ... Health effects of spackling dust?
June 26, 2010 4:17 PM Subscribe
Hypochondria filter ... What are the possible health effects of my inhalation of spackling dust?
I just realized that you're supposed to wear a mask when dry sanding spackling because of the crystalline silica in it. I'm specifically using DAP vinyl spackling. I consider my use pretty casual ... mostly patched nail holes, but recently patched a 1' x 3' area. I've used the product maybe 6 or 7 times over the last 2 or 3 years. On a couple occasions, I've gotten a layer of dust all over my face. I've read the MSDS and done some googling and feel my exposure is probably considered casual and brief, which isn't linked to any health effects. Still, I'd appreciate your opinion to set my mind at ease!
I've also had a bitter taste in my mouth all the following day, but doubt it's related.
I just realized that you're supposed to wear a mask when dry sanding spackling because of the crystalline silica in it. I'm specifically using DAP vinyl spackling. I consider my use pretty casual ... mostly patched nail holes, but recently patched a 1' x 3' area. I've used the product maybe 6 or 7 times over the last 2 or 3 years. On a couple occasions, I've gotten a layer of dust all over my face. I've read the MSDS and done some googling and feel my exposure is probably considered casual and brief, which isn't linked to any health effects. Still, I'd appreciate your opinion to set my mind at ease!
I've also had a bitter taste in my mouth all the following day, but doubt it's related.
I have absolutely no scientific or medical basis for saying this--but I am quite confident that any concern other than a fleeting thought is in fact "hypochondria". Short of plutonium and highly refined chemicals I would not be concerned regarding very casual and limited inhalation of most potentially toxic substances. Sleep well. The body, including the lungs have remarkable restorative properties. Evolution has assured us of this.
posted by rmhsinc at 5:24 PM on June 26, 2010
posted by rmhsinc at 5:24 PM on June 26, 2010
Pretty sure it takes some years of consistent exposure to crystalline silica to cause any serious damage. If you use masks from now on when sanding or whatever, you'll be fine. Also, smoking can increase any lung damage, so avoiding that helps.
posted by orme at 5:24 PM on June 26, 2010
posted by orme at 5:24 PM on June 26, 2010
You're fine. What you describe is really minimal exposure.
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 6:23 PM on June 26, 2010
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 6:23 PM on June 26, 2010
Here is the MSDS for your spackle, which notes that it can cause adverse events on overexposure. I don't personally believe that counts as overexposure-- I've spackled my own fair share of nail holes and one wall hole without a mask-- but the MSDS also provides the number to Poison Control, where folks who do this kind of reassurance and information all day could give you more detail.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 6:35 PM on June 26, 2010
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 6:35 PM on June 26, 2010
Best answer: Your exposure is minimum, compared with someone who does this for a living. Relax and wear a mask next time. You are fine.
posted by The Light Fantastic at 12:01 AM on June 27, 2010
posted by The Light Fantastic at 12:01 AM on June 27, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by pantheON at 4:18 PM on June 26, 2010