Dust (Charcoal, General Outside Dust, Rockwool) Filter Cloth for Vacuum and Mask

Dust Mask

Respirator

You need to decide based on the make up of your dust whether you require a dust mask or respiratory protection. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

you are most likely talking about asbestos dust as well.

There are MANY resources for asbestos abatement on the web as well as your local contractors board.

One major key to dust masks and respirators is the FIT, make sure they seal good around your face.

A little trick I learned from an old farmer during harvest, a good way to keep filters cleaner in high dust environments is to fit 2 to 4 pantyhose stockings over it.

Yeah, you just try to get those pantyhose from that old farmer's daughter. And then see what happens!

Mask with oil free compressor. The dust will kill the vacuum anyhow. Use wet saw dust. Fight dust with dust. And a broom.

a good mask...

and.. mist it all down with a hose and vac it up wet if possible..

has worked for me.

Try a shop vac with a HEPA filter this will prevent even PM-10 size dust from escaping.

Dust mask should be OK for non-hazardous dust.

If your dealing with asbestos you should have a professional in there to handle it. There will be issues of permits, handling , and disposing of the material.

Problem with respirators is then should to be fit tested and a physical should be done per OSHA regs. To make sure you're healthy enough to breath through one and that the respirator fits you properly.

Good Luck

Here is a couple sites that have HEPA Dust Masks.

http://www.achooallergy.com/compare-masks.asp

http://www.onlineallergyrelief.com/masks/masks.html

Here is one from the UK I know the title says Surgical but if you go further down you'll see HEPA filters.

http://www.medical-masks.co.uk/acatalog/face-masks.html

Other sources:

http://www.twenga.co.uk/prices-respro-sportsta-mask.html

http://www.thefind.co.uk/query.php?query=hepa+mask+in+UK

Fit Test info:

http://www.tsi.com/uploadedFiles/Product_Information/Literature/Application_Notes/ITI-029.pdf

Again if you think its asbestos I wouldn't mess with it, get a professional. Asbestosis isn't something fun to get.

http://www.asbestos.net/

Good Luck

Use a vacuum with a HEPA rating.This will not discharge the dust back into the room,otherwise, you are wasting your time vacuuming.Use a dust mask rated at 95 percent efficient,and make sure to fit it properly,getting a good seal around the bridge of the nose.If you have a beard, it must be trimmed along the area of the mask contact to ensure a good seal.If you are dealing with asbestos dust, you need a pressurised hood.Some are battery powered, and provide a cool flow of air in front of the face,and the air is HEPA filtered.

HTRN

Hi Sal

I am not sure how large your attic is but if it is of a size were it would take days to clean I would suggest the following. I am aware that it will not answer your filter bag question but it might help.

Get your self a pump action fertilizer spray container (used for pesticides usually) and fill it with water. You could ad a small amount of wallpaper glue or even an egg yog and a dash of vinegar. Spray the whole area until it has soaked up enough moisture and then walk away. Collect the hardened pieces the next day and repeat.

You could speed up the process by using a compressor and spray gun. I am suggesting to saturate until it becomes gooey, just enough to dry over night or if it's hot enough up there during the day, do the spraying in the morning.

Dust, which, what, where dust?

Warning: DO NOT FLOOD

Hope all goes well, good luck, Ky.