Mask for grossing?

[housesurgeon]

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I've been finding that my asthma is getting really exacerbated by the formalin fumes, as after several hours in the lab I notice I'm starting to wheeze. I've also been losing my voice quite regularly. Has anyone tried using a mask for opening specimens or while grossing? Is this effective?

 

[deleted314957]

I've been finding that my asthma is getting really exacerbated by the formalin fumes, as after several hours in the lab I notice I'm starting to wheeze. I've also been losing my voice quite regularly. Has anyone tried using a mask for opening specimens or while grossing? Is this effective?

What kind of "mask" do you mean; a respirator (of varying efficiencies) or an "operating-room type" particulate mask?

 

[pathstudent]

I've been finding that my asthma is getting really exacerbated by the formalin fumes, as after several hours in the lab I notice I'm starting to wheeze. I've also been losing my voice quite regularly. Has anyone tried using a mask for opening specimens or while grossing? Is this effective?

Get one of those breaking bad masks when they cook meth.

 

[housesurgeon]

I think it would need to be a respirator type one

 

[IgnisDU]

Before purchasing a mask I would recommend investigating whether or not the fume hood is adequately functioning and set up. I've also noticed that sometimes paper towels that are soaked in formalin will be thrown out, so the formalin vapors escape into the room.