Actually, this is the mask that I use. I am not cavalier about my health or anyone else's for that matter - the mask is a good quality, comfortable mask to wear and with a P3 filter I have found it more than adequate for use with sublimated OA. It has the following properties:
Hazard Types
- Solid and liquid particles, including those containing oil.
- Dusts, mists, and fumes from sanding, grinding, cutting, drilling metal.
- Mist droplets from spraying.
- Organic Vapours and Gases.
Things to consider when selecting
- P3 particulate filter – All particulates including highly toxic materials.
- P3 filters separates 99.95% of airborne particles.
- P3 has also an organic vapor relief.
When you consider the vapourisation of OA - it is a vapour only for a very short time before it becomes particulate, you are not (generally) in an enclosed environment and in many cases you will be inside a bee suit with the mask on and if you have any sense you will not be leaning over the hive whilst you are treating them.
I understand the manufacturer's concerns and the risk if they recommend a much higher screening but P3 will adequately capture the OA released whilst, sensibly, using equipment commercially available to beekeepers.
Clearly, you need to be sensible - use the sublimation equipment as it is designed, use the recommended amount of OA (2.5gms) so that you are not generating excessive volumes of vapour and ensure that the minimum amounts of vapour can escape from the hive during treatment. Make sure the mask is well fitted to your face and change the filters as recommended (every 40 hours of use is the standard - or 12 months - although, if you keep them in ziplock bags, clean the outside after use and look after them for the amount of use they get they can last well beyond 12 months.).
You do need additional eye protection - safety glasses are not adequate - you need something that fits with a seal around the edges, these are not expensive - between £5 or £15 will get you a decent mask. If you wear glasses it they may cost you a bit more.
A lot of PPE is dependent upon the wearer exercising a modicum of common sense - your health is important, OA is a noxious substance and you do NOT want to expose your lungs or your eyes to contact with it. If you just have a few hives to treat then, with the caveats above, then £30 will get you adequately protected. If you are treating 50 hives in rapid succession ... I might be inclined to go to a full face model for convenience as much as anything.
The mask is available on Amazon (if you don't mind contributing more to Jeff Beazos fortune and Amazon's **** of the market place) for a little over £20. I'd rather see someone spend £30 on PPE that they can afford than baulk at £80 and risk going without.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ForceTM8-Respirator-Complete-PressToCheckTM-Filters/dp/B00ZCOFHM0
https://www.amazon.co.uk/539169-Pro...986084&sprefix=safety+goggles,aps,119&sr=8-25