I have been working as a furniture repair technician for 15 years now. Right away I noticed that certain fumes, or wood dust would bother me. I decided to wear a dust mask, and a respirator. I found wearing a mask very uncomfortable, and the cartridges were expensive to replace. Every 2 weeks I would have to get new cartridges. Also I was scaring the customers!
I decided to wear the mask less, which was a big mistake.
About a month ago after doing a lot of woodworking, and a lot of chemical work, I felt like I could not breathe that night. After being to urgent care, and the hospital they found out that there was irritation, and enlarged blood vessels in my lungs. Yes, it was from breathing in all the toxic stuff. It has been a month since this problem has started, and I am starting to feel better. The doctor said I need to take it easy, and stay away from work for a couple months. That has been very difficult to do, since I have a family of 9, and I have always done most of the work in my business. I have sub contractors that I have known for years helping me with the work part right now.
Some Sage advice: Wear the Mask! It is not worth the pain, and worry later.
Zeke