Summer DIY: Protect yourself
It can be a pain to throw away perfectly good furniture or goods that just need a little love and care, which is why so many people turn to DIY solutions instead! Tackling home improvement projects yourself is a great way to save money and time this summer. Plus, DIY projects allow you to add your own creative flair and personal touches to your space, ensuring you get exactly the look you want.
There are a few essential safety tips you’ll need to follow to stay protected during your latest DIY projects. Cambridge Masks has partnered with The Home Depot in the United States to make sure you have all the tools and information you need for your DIY adventures this summer.
DIY Projects
DIY projects come with all sorts of risks, but plenty of preparation and a proper face mask can help mitigate those risks and keep you protected.
Most home renovation projects will involve some type of particle, chemical, or pollutant that can be harmful to your health. For example, if you decide to paint your house, walls, or furniture, you should be aware that most paints release toxic fumes when they’re wet, meaning you should wear a mask during the painting and drying process. If you’re painting indoors, you should ventilate the space you’re painting and make sure you are allowing in lots of fresh air. If you’re painting furniture, try to do it outdoors with lots of air and sunlight.
Another popular DIY project is woodworking. Is there anything more satisfying than creating a new piece of furniture with your own two hands? But woodworking will also require some type of carving, sanding, or staining, which leads to woodchips and sawdust. These can be incredibly harmful to your lungs — particularly for those with asthma or other respiratory problems.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor discusses the ways wood particles and sawdust can adversely affect your health.
“Wood dust becomes a potential health problem when wood particles from processes such as sanding and cutting become airborne. Breathing these particles may cause allergic respiratory symptoms, mucosal and non-allergic respiratory symptoms, and cancer. The extent of these hazards and the associated wood types have not been clearly established.”
Furthermore, for those considering doing some home renovation involving drywall, be aware that drywall dust can be toxic and often contains lots of chemicals and mold. Be sure to properly prepare the area beforehand by laying out tarps and stay masked during the entire procedure to minimize your dust exposure.
Note that every DIY project will be unique in its requirements and risks. For that reason, it’s best to research and prepare beforehand, get advice from a trained professional, and wear a mask during any activities that might involve harmful chemicals, particles, or pollutants.
A mask with a strong filtration system and a respirator can protect you from particles and pollution and ensure you’re able to breathe easily and naturally. With Cambridge Masks, you’ll be able to craft to your heart’s content while also protecting your lungs!
Our Cambridge Masks PRO series has a three-layer filtration system that is perfect for home improvement projects — especially for woodworking. That’s because our PRO masks can filter particles from PM10, PM2.5, and as small as PM0.3, meaning they can protect you from any sawdust particles, toxic paint fumes, welding smoke, drywall dust, and more. Our masks also come with a handy head strap that can ensure the mask will stay on during the whole project.
The Home Depot
If you’re looking for things to do over summer break, The Home Depot has got you covered!
Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, and they specialize in making home improvement accessible to everyone — from beginners who have never picked up a power tool to experienced home improvement junkies and industry professionals. Since its founding in 1978, Home Depot has provided high-quality home improvement goods to people all over the US.
They’ve got a range of options for those looking to spruce up their home this summer. For those looking for beginner DIY projects, there is everything from beginner woodworking sets to DIY furniture, gardening, and painting projects. They’ve also got a range of advanced tools, workshops, and supplies for more advanced projects — complete with their top-notch specialists to assist and advise you along the way. Home Depot has tons of activities for summer break that will keep you and your family busy and entertained.
Cambridge Mask Co and Home Depot
Cambridge Masks partnered with The Home Depot in early 2021. We’re committed to protecting our loyal customers from COVID-19 and also offering the best protection during everyday life. We are now stocked in 40 stores in the USA, including Washington, California, New York, and we will be available on their online store from July 2021.
No matter what type of project you’re taking on — painting, woodworking, renovation, or repair — Cambridge Masks and The Home Depot are here to help!
