Tool Grinding - What's In That Dust?

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rake60

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Grinding HSS tool steel and cemented carbide products produces a fine
dust that is potential hazardous. As hobbyists we think we are not
exposed to the dust for any extended periods of time, and never
read the warnings.

Should theses words be read?
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Inhalation:
Dust from grinding may cause irritation of the nose and
throat. It also has the potential for causing transient or
permanent respiratory disease, including occupational asthma
or interstitial fibrosis, in a small percentage of exposed
individuals. It is reported that cobalt dust is the probably
cause of such respiratory disease. Symptoms include
productive cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest
tightness and weight loss. Interstitial fibrosis (lung scaring)
can lead to permanent disability or death. Certain
pulmonary conditions may be aggravated by exposure.

Information is our best tool for avoiding health risks. Let's face it, many
of us are at the age where we don't need an added health hazard. A dust
mask or even a fan blowing the dust away from us can remove this one
easily.
 
I think that it's easy to cut corners a bit when working with hazordous materials at home. I handle carcinogenic and other less good chemicals, such at mastinox and MEK, at work. Protection equipment is always available. When I'm home and lack a mask or what ever it may be I keep on working anyway. Hope to stop doing that, some day.

To write something less off-topic, a vacuum cleaner works well!
 

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