English
The cutting machine starts, and white dust rises, quickly covering the entire workshop. The habit of many stone countertop cutters is to "only wear when the gray is too big, and not wear when the gray is too small" - this is the starting point of hidden dangers.
The problem lies in the dust itself. Around 2012, the cutting material for countertops shifted from artificial stone to quartz stone, with free silica content in quartz reaching up to 99%. The extremely fine dust generated by cutting and polishing will enter deep into the lungs with breathing. Long term inhalation of dust with high levels of free silica may cause silicosis, a common type of pneumoconiosis, which develops rapidly and is difficult to reverse after diagnosis. For many workers who make a living by cutting, the real regret is often not the hardship of the work, but the prolonged exposure to dust.
The heartfelt words of a countertop cutter can be condensed into four words: protect early.
The key to protection is to choose the right mask, looking at two numbers: compliance standards and filtration efficiency. According to GB 2626-2019 "Respiratory Protection Self priming Filter Anti particle Respirator", KN95 has a filtration efficiency of not less than 95% for non oily particles, and KN100 has a filtration efficiency of not less than 99.97%. The dust particle size for cutting quartz stone is extremely fine, and the Fangdun KN100 series filter cotton (such as 2102N) has a filtration efficiency of over 99.97% for 0.075 micron ultra-fine non oily particles. Combined with a silicone half mask (such as 1105K) and an exhalation valve, it can achieve both sealing and breathability, making it suitable for long-term operations.
More practical are three habits: wear it throughout the entire process for processes with high dust, don't just wear it for processes with low dust; The filter cotton should be replaced regularly according to the instructions (about 30 days, or when it becomes dirty or damaged); Clean the face mask promptly after work.
White dust may not immediately make people fall, but it can change the situation of a family in a few years. The cutting machine can be stopped, and the dust account will not be written off completely. Protecting your breath is a genuine commitment to yourself and your family.
