protectionsafety
I'm cutting and etching sheets of teflon in a laser cutter. The laser is well ventilated but there is still a very strong odor.
I did a number of small cuts yesterday and did not develop any symptoms such as polymer fume fever but I still worry for my health.
What kind of safety mask would be appropriate for these kind of fumes? Do I also need to take additional measures for my eyes (fumes only– the laser cutter has a hood)?
Usually that warning applies only in California—most states are not at risk. :-)
The carcinogen involved is cement dust, specifically its components of tri- and dicalcium silicate, alumina, tricalcium aluminate, and iron oxide. The hazard extends to skin, eyes, mouth, and respiration.
To be completely protected, a moon suit (made of Tyvek in the photo) is in line with the most pessimistic expectations. However, the practical alternative (and recommended by CDC and OSHA) is any quarter-mask respirator with an N-95, R, or P filter to arrest fine particles, along with gloves, and enclosed eye protection—and avoiding unnecessary cement contact.
Many workers are skeptical of the carcinogenic property of cement dust: it is common to see experienced workers taking only minor precautions. Usually wearing only a mask while handling the powder. Once it is moistened and and dust is no longer a factor, most don't do anything special. But it is a strong caustic alkalai, so do take care not to get it inside or on you for an extended time.
Circuit breakers don't provide protection against over-voltage. They might in extreme circumstances where over-voltage causes an over-current situation, but that protection occurs too late, after the electrical appliance is smoking.
What you really need is a power conditioner, also known as a voltage conditioner. They are expensive even for small loads. A whole-house conditioner might run $15,000. But to target just a few appliances, there are some around $1,700. See this and this.
If this is not a temporary power situation, you might consider a whole house standby generator. The deluxe units switch to generator power not only when the voltage goes low, but also when it goes too high.
Best Answer
PTFE is mostly an organic, and it's fluoridated combustion products are likely to be acids, thus you should choose an organic vapor / acid gas cartridge such as the 3M 6003