I know that this isn't one of the most exciting or artsy topics to go over, but given the potential hazards of working with fine particulates, fumes from wood burning, as well as other nastys that become exposed when you open up a gourd, it is important to take steps to protect yourself while working with gourds.  While it is certainly fun to find the best woodburner or best jigsaw - taking a few minutes of research now for your long term health, is going to be well worth it. Take a moment or two to find the best gourd working dust mask or respirator

The Dangers

Now this may seem like a litany of dangers that may scare anyone from ever touching a gourd, it certainly isn't the intent.  That being said, if you already experience, or have been diagnosed already, with the conditions listed - I would highly recommend auditing your safety equipment, so as to reduce your risk to future complications.

• Asthma - Cutting, scrubbing, drilling, and burning a gourd are going to release fine particulates into the air.  These particulates are known as asthma triggers.  Continuous exposure to said particulates, can trigger an asthma attack.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis - hypersensitivity pneumonitis is caused by repeated exposure to environmental substances that cause inflammation in the lungs when inhaled. These substances include certain bacteria and mycobacteria - otherwise known as mold.  Mold formation is not at all uncommon on gourds, and in fact is a necessary part of the gourd curing process and is key to the formation of unique patterns on the surface.  Be aware that as you clean the mold off, you are often releasing small particulates in to the air.
• Laryngitis/Sinusitis/Rhinitis - a series of respiratory ailments all caused by particulates in the air.
• "Gourd Flu" - While not a clinical term, a condition commonly used to express the symptoms related to working with gourd dust and/or mold.  Generally all respiratory in nature - if not corrected quickly, can lead to some very serious conditions.

The Misconception

Something like what is shown to the right is not going to offer much protection.  While it may keep some annoying smells out, and certainly is better than nothing - it simply will not keep out enough of the airborne particulates needed to work safely with gourds.  DO NOT be fooled into thinking that by wearing a paper mask, you are protected.

Generic dust masks are not NIOSH* approved disposable filtering facepieces. They can be worn for comfort against non-toxic nuisance dusts during activities like mowing, gardening, sweeping and dusting. These masks are not respirators and do not offer protection against hazardous dusts, gases or vapors.

*NIOSH- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services certifies respirators. A label or statement of certification should appear on the respirator or respirator packaging. It will tell you what the respirator is designed for and how much it will protect you.

I may have put in a term there you haven't ever come across - NIOSH

As you are shopping for respirators and dust masks, you are likely going to see acronyms and alpha-numeric codes such as N95, N100, P99, and NIOSH. If you are buying one for the first, these codes may seem odd, but they are actually quite intuitive.

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) is the agency that evaluates and rates dust masks and respirators, as well as establishs minimal acceptable requirements for a respirator/mask to get their approval.

Its easiest to simply think of the number as the percentile of particulates the mask/respirator traps.  If you get an N95 respirator, it means that it will trap 95% of the airborne particles passing through it while the N100 will capture around 99.97% of the airborne particles or it has an efficiency level of 99.97%.

KEY POINT - 95% is the minimal threshold for NIOSH approval

Now that we've identified the dangers, and what NOT to rely on, it is time to do a deeper dive into what will provide adequate protection when cleaning, carving, and generally working with gourds.

When selecting your mask/respirator - really put some thought into it - you are going to be very up front and personal with this mask as it attached to your face for extended periods of time - you want one to be both functional and comfortable.

Good

Unlike the dust mask pictured above, this respirator is rate at N95 - which will keep out 95% of the particles.  While this respirator will provide protection, it lacks some of the comfort the other respirators featured have.  This respirator would be considered an entry level respirator.  It would be good to have a box of these around if you were introducing new members into gourding, or if you happened to be in a pinch for a respirator.

3M Particulate Respirator 8210

• NIOSH approved for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles
• Two-strap design with welded dual point attachment helps provide a secure seal
• Adjustable nose-clip helps provide a custom fit and secure seal
• Lightweight construction promotes greater worker acceptance and may help increase wear time
• Advanced electrostatic media is designed for ease of breathing

Better

The big step up from the 8210 is two fold - comfort and longevity.  This respirator uses an advanced silicone material that provides a softer feel on the face. A unique adjustment design helps reduce pressure points on the face for even more comfort.  As far as protection - the mask accepts a variety of filters that attach to the outside of the mask.  The filters themselves are customizable to the various projects one might be working on (other than gourds) - This half facepiece respirator may be used with 3M™ Cartridges all which meat NIOSH Rules.

3M Medium Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator

• Advanced silicone material for increased comfort and greater durability
• Proprietary 3M CoolFlow valve helps makes breathing easier
• Dual-mode head harness adjusts easily for either standard or drop-down mode
• Exhalation valve cover directs exhaled breath and moisture downward to reduce fogging
• When used with 3M 2297, P100  Advanced Particulate Filter, provides 99.97% filter efficiency meeting NIOSH P100-series test criteria

Best

The Re-usable P100 Elipse Half Mask Respirator is unlike the above products that users like because of its low profile design, breathability, and comfort. Designed to fit the contours of the face it comes in two sizes (S/M and M/L). This  mask is NIOSH 42, CFR 84, and P100 approved.  It protects against dust mist and fumes and designed to remove low level odors and gases which be as much unpleasant as potentially harmful to health.  The only complaint I have about this mask is its name - it is much more than an Odor/Nuisance eliminator.

GVS SPR456 Elipse P100 Nuisance Odor Respirator

• Adapts perfectly to the face and offers a full range of vision
• Large central non-return valve which allows for a reduction of the user's breathing resistance and moisture build-up inside the mask to a minimum
• Protects against dust that can cause lung disease
• Lightweight, non-slip strap that is easily adjusted in 4 positions for improved comfort and to allow safe use even in high humidity or wet conditions

Final Thoughts

Respirators and dust masks might not be the first thing you think of when you start to work with gourds, but it is not something to overlook or take lightly.  There are a number of hazards, that while serious in nature, can be avoided by spending a little time understanding what you are working with, and taking the necessary steps to avoid future complications.

These are not expensive pieces of equipment and really should be in every gourder's toolbox.  The investment is small, and the cost of not investing is huge.

One last thought is, and it should go without saying, the respirators only work when you use them properly.  They are not "sometime" tools - Anytime any cutting, scrubbing, burning, or otherwise disturbing the surface of the wood/gourd you are working with - they should be worn.