: I was at my favorite store yesterday, Manards and was looking at the Helmsman
: Spar Clear Polyurethane sp. and with rebates was less then $5 a quart. My
: experience with this years ago was that it held up like iron. But reading
: the lable was scary with possibe brain damage from the fumes. Looking at
: the Sportman's Guide I see they have brand new Israeli gas mask with
: filter for $10. So using this mask looks like a safe way to put this on
: your boat. The filters are good for 3 hours and replacements are about $5.

: John

John. Please don't trust using something like the Israeli gas mask for epoxying purposes, without first having confirmed without question, that the mask will eliminate the compounds YOU are trying to protect against. I'm not in any way an expert, but have learned enough to know that it is imperitive that you select filters specifically designed to handle your contaminants. I would guess that the Israeli gas mask filters are designed for chemical, biological or bacterial warfare, and they are not designed for epoxy fumes. I can't harp on this enough: Get a second opinion from a qualified source that what you use is suitable for your purpose. Read the MSDS very carefully and observe the precautions closely. Consult the manufacturers such as 3M to verify that your cartridges ae the correct ones, and be aware that the mask/cartridge system is not 100% effective at the best of times, only at best 90%, so even then, you are still getting some contamination.. Long term effects of all of these chemicals are widespread and unknown. Jim L.