It's always a good idea to wear a dust mask, and I agree (as a glasses wearer), paper masks are a pain. For coarse grinding with a flap wheel or a file, I typically don't wear a mask, but any fine grinding, surfacing or sanding, I always wear one. My rule of thumb, if the aluminum dust can make my fingers silver/gray, I wear a mask.

FYI, There are uncompleted studies in process that are looking into a link between Alzheimers and uncoated aluminum cookware.

 

FYI, There are uncompleted studies in process that are looking into a link between Alzheimers and uncoated aluminum cookware.

And several studies showing no causal link. Correlation is not causation, but causation is difficult to show, especially with small effects. At best, aluminum exposure at high levels may be a minor contributor to the progress of the disease in some people that are otherwise succeptible.

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/Facts_about_dementia/Risk_factors/info_aluminium.htm

"There is circumstantial evidence linking this metal with Alzheimer's disease but no causal relationship has yet been proved. As evidence for other causes continues to grow, a possible link with aluminium seems increasingly unlikely. "

That a link is, at best, tenuous, does NOT mean that you shouldn't try to control your exposure to the dust. A mask is a good idea, as the dust is an irritant, at a minimum. But this goes for any dust. Avoid breathing it, don't eat it, etc. Because it isn't acutely toxic doesn;t mean continued exposure may not contribute to problems later.

 

Well, look at it this way. If you dont mind scraping the aluminum dust out of your nostrils, go ahead and forgo the mask. If you find it irratating (I do), then wear a mask.

 

You just brought back memories that I have been trying to keep suppressed. I once had a job overhauling aircraft propellers which involves a lot of grinding on aluminum blades. I found out that grinding on aluminum for 8 hrs in full protective equipment sucks. I didn't even like being in the next room without a mask.

 

I had a friend working with aluminum who got a serious lung infection from breathing the smoke and dust from working with it. Wear a respirator to be safe. They are about $30, worth every penny. I weld on steel all day and I wear them all day because I am in a hole. I do have fans and ventilation but I wear it anyways.

You'd be suprised about these metals. A lot of this stuff will make you real sick, even the metals that aren't commonly known to. I know first hand how bad you can get sick without wearing the proper PPE. I was welding on galvanized steel for 4 months straight and went home puking every night. I don't take chances anymore.

 

Thanks for all of the replies. So, for those of you that recommend wearing a mask - is a particle mask ok for grinding and a cartrige for welding? Does 3m make one that is good to fit under a welding hood. I have a miller elite. Thanks

 

Not withstanding the health issues from ingesting alumiium dust, give some thought to the fact that aluminium powder (dust) plus iron oxide (rust) are the essential ingredients for a thermite bomb. A source of ignition to set it off, and I can personally attest it takes a hell of lot of stopping.

So, protect your health with appropriate PPE, but take care that you don't lose the whole shop...

 

Thanks for all of the replies. So, for those of you that recommend wearing a mask - is a particle mask ok for grinding and a cartrige for welding? Does 3m make one that is good to fit under a welding hood. I have a miller elite. Thanks

An n95 rated or better particle mask would be ok if it fits well.

 

I use a respirator daily at work and it fits under my hood just fine.