Fumes, Fume suppressants, and Safety stuff

[destroyer125]

Ok, Lately I've been concerned about the fumes coming out of my anodizing tank, I know if I was around the stuff after a heavy load I would hack a small amount of mucas up for alittle while after doing it. After checking the Data sheet on sulfuric acid last night, I think im convinced on getting a nice respirator for the job, By what the data sheet said I was being exposed to a very small amount of the fumes and was irritating my lungs but It wasnt anything bad, Yet that is.

Ive been suggested Caswells fume suppressant to help cut down on these fumes which come out of that tank, but will still not cut them back 100%.

I know good ventilation is a key factor in anodizing, Im working out of the end of a garage with a fan, flow of air going out the door. Im Pretty sure this works well but last night I didnt use a fan.

What kind of filters for a respirator are available that are effective against the fumes? In this section, Ive been suggested an activated charcoal filter, I would like to see if there is anything else too that will help

Thanks
D125

[RedRiver]

Just to make a small correction and not to be nit-picking but what is coming out of the tank is not a fume but rather a very fine mist of H2SO4 laced water droplets. The same solution that is in the tank to be precise. The only reason I mention this is that it may have a bearing on your research for the proper respirator filter. I'm not sure to be honest with you but I would assume that an activated charcoal filter would do the trick. Best keep researching this though as again, I'm really unsure.

[-AAPB-Eric]

best solution is to use a fume hood (ie: from home depot kitchen dept) they are about $30 and will suck out most the fumes.

Sulfuric acid is also a carcinogen...causes cancer. So this is very importaint and wouldnt leave the protection up to a mask since chances are you will get leaks.

There are small cheap chemical resistant ones (blue colour) you can get at a local hardware store. This with the fume hood would work well and you wouldnt be in much danger that way.

[destroyer125]

Id consider a fume hood of some sort but I currently dont have anywhere that I can install it, since it is my packed garage my tank seems to get moved all over

[acidrain]

The cartriges will say for acid mist right on them. I believe they are the black ones used for organic chemicals (paint). Check the AO site (american optical) for thier line of cartriges. Also check 3M's site. A simple half mask with the appropriate cartriges will save your lungs.

[quadster]

Yaeh!!!!! Very bad funmes!!!!Cant be good for you!!!!I have acess to a shop with a 16 ft door so i pull my set up right to the door and stil;l wear a reapirator when i check progress.

[quadster]

Takes your breath away!!!!!!!!!

[mcaswell]

I take it you aren't using fume balls or the mist suppressant?

The mist suppressant is an EPA approved material. That should eliminate all fumes, if it doesn't, add more!
As a belt and braces, add the fume balls too!

[destroyer125]

I would need alot of mist balls for my tank it would look like a mini ball pit then

I plan to order some fume suppressant with my next dye order

[mcaswell]

Doesn't matter what it looks like, as long as it is safe!

BTW How many lungs do you have at the moment?

I wouldn't anodize a thing until you have resolved this. Don't wait for your next dye order, get this fixed NOW!!!!!