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Post Info TOPIC: Lung Conditions And Roof Cleaning
Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000


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Lung Conditions And Roof Cleaning
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Hello Guys,


I owe the board an apology as I have not been able to participate as much as I would like lately.

I have been in/out of the hospital 4 times in the last month and a half.

The reason: I got into a motorcycle accident. and hurt my knee pretty badly (tore up tendons, muscle and ligaments-LOTS of PAIN-ouch!)

I have been gimping around over the last month and a half trying to train a couple of guys to clean for me but having to due the work myself at times as usual.

I am doing better with my leg and knee now (ladders and stepping on and off the trucks with a brace on have been a real pain in the azz---ets.

Then, to make matters worse, I have ALSO been suffering from exposure to chlorine Vapors and the invisible GAS that chlorine creates as it hits the HOT roof surface. The HEAT of the roof in summer only quickens the evaporation process of the Apple Sauce/ Cider etc. which makes it even MORE gaseous and harsh on the lungs IMHO.

I have been trying to heal over time, usually winters allow me to rest my lungs for the summer rush by just doing pressure cleaning mostly and also keep up my spirits with the spring /summer roof cleaning and pressure washing now that season has arrived.

For me, I have been cleaning roofs, houses and other surfaces with many different harsh chemicals for a long time and it has effected me over time.

I don't want to cause a major panic so listen to my words carefully. For all using chemicals like Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hypochlorite, and especially ACIDS, you must take safety precautions or the eventuality of of lung and health problems are something that will occur in most humans as a matter of course due to toxicity of the body over time and exposure.

For those with normal and healthy lungs this may not be a concern for you right now, but over time, using chemicals such as Sodium Hypochlorite can be a reason for having problems with respiratory illness and breathing.

I want to emphasize the need for any and all who have any kind of respiratory condition or those that do not want to wheeze and have extreme shortness of breath in the later years of their lives to wear proper respirators while working around this industry.

I have tried to get out of the industry several times to save myself further lung damage but because of the economy and the stock market and the real estate slump over the last few years I have had to go back to doing what I love to do, which is, CLEAN ROOFS and PRESSURE WASH.

However, it has come with a price.

The long term damage to my lungs and skin has been the price I have paid for COMPLACENCY.

Not wearing chemical shields and eye wear, respirators and faceshields has all been a high price to pay for having partially to do with having a tough time healthwise at this time in my life.

I have cleaned a number of roofs this season already while training some new guys and have been suffering for it as you cannot tell your groundsman or anyone below ANYTHING when you have a respirator on, so inevitably, I remove it to relay instructions while spraying roof cleaning chemical and that is when I am at risk as my lungs do not do well after extended periods of cleaning anymore.

So, what I am trying to say is that I might not be able to clean with SH for  very much longer.

I am telling you all this so that if some of you suffer with Athsma or allergies, you will consult with your doctor before persuing a career in roof cleaning, it not for everybody.

I feel it is my duty to let you all know the OTHER side of the INDUSTRY as well, not just the good sides.

Roof Cleaning can be a rewarding and profitable opportunity if approached with respect and common sense.

Wear safety equipment, respirators and any other form of protection to protect you and keep you healthy.

Mark my words, Do NOT fall into the trap of becoming lax and not using all the tools available for health and safety,because ......

SAFETY and COMMON SENSE does not COST, IT PAYS.

Your WORTH IT! 


-- Edited by Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 on Tuesday 12th of May 2009 12:23:54 PM

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Thanks for the good advice. As a guy just starting out, I hadn't considered the cons of this industry. I was just looking at all the pros. I am still going to continue with my plans of including roof cleaning in my business, but after reading how harmful chemical vapors can be to those around them, I will take all the precautions needed. I owe you and others like you that have been there a great thanks for showing me that I need to protect myself and those working with me.

Thanks again to all the experience shared here!!

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You don't owe anyone an apology when dealing with health issues. The information that you have already posted is invaluable. Take care of yourself and your business first.

I for one am choosing a stinky respirator over chlorine. I once walked into a chlorine shed used for treating the salt water used in seafood production and there was a leak. My body immediately shut my lungs down. Kind of like using a scuba tank and running out of air. Just could not get any air in. Because of that experience you will not see me without a respirator.

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     Dave, thanks for the info. And sorry to hear about your health. I will keep you in my prayers.

     A few months ago, I think I mentioned the importance of using a respirator.

Everyone:
ONCE YOU COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF YOUR LUNG TISSUE, IT'S OVER!

Lung tissue is one of the slowest regenerating tissues in the body, contrary to popular belief.

For anyone NOT using a respirator, START NOW!!!!!!

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Dave, we will keep you in our prayers. I have been thru a lot of training classes on respirator use and safety. The industry I worked in, with a lot of harmful chemicals in manufacturing made sure we all understood what was at risk. Once the lungs are damaged, they will never be the same. I would encourage everyone that is working with chemicals to have a breathing test every year. This is a test that any doctor can give. It will allow you to track your lung capacity and to make sure they are working fine. remember, no amount of money is worth loosing your health over.

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Hope you are feeling better.  God speed and a speedy recovery...smile

I am sure that SHC will one day be the death of me or the cause.. It isn't anything nice...

I have heard that it makes some body parts to shrink, like your feet, arms uuhhhhh,..etc.. etc.. although this has not been proven.

At present I do not have breathng issues but I do use a face mask and gloves...

My dog loves me even more for after about two hours I smell like ... poop. My dog thinks I brought another one home in my pocket... LOL

Thanks for the advice.

James \EHS

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Roof Cleaning Long Island New York (631) 220 6985


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confuseHi Dave, Hope your doing well,we all missed you,i just thought you were busy (was that the bike you were telling me about that you do estimates with ?) God be with you and all blessing .

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Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000


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Roof Cleaning Long Island New York (631) 220 6985 wrote:

confuseHi Dave, Hope your doing well,we all missed you,i just thought you were busy (was that the bike you were telling me about that you do estimates with ?) God be with you and all blessing .


Hi Vinny,

Thanks to you and everyone else who have wished me well. That is appreciated and goes a long way to know you guys out there care about a fellow roof cleaner like me.

I appreciate you all very much as well.

I will be back here more often soon. I just have been on a medication called PREDNISONE and it is an anti-inflammatory for the lungs (with side -effects).

I has the side-effects of making you feel really FUNKY (not in the 1960's, dancing, jive turkey sort of way, LOL) and even though I am doing better with my breathing, other areas of my life are suffering a bit.

Oh well, SHinizzit happens? Trying not to complain, just trying to get through it...

I will keep in touch as I am able?

All you new guys, keep reading and educating yourselves.

I hope and wish you all the best and much success in this business.

Take good care of yourselves and your health> :)

 



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Respirtory and eye protection should be a priority for anyone dealing with hazardous materials.  My past experience with  hazardous chemicals include 31 years as a firefighter in a major metropolitan area, and 20 + years as a chimney sweep.
First I would say that your PPE (personnal protective equipment)  should be of top quality.  I would reccomend a N95 canister mask with a supplimentry carbon filter.   This combination would offer the best protection against vapors, gas, and particles.  A less expensive alternitive would be a P100 particulate mask.  I use the 3M 8293  I purchase mine from Grangers.
A basic set of eye goggles will be sufficent for eye protection along with chemical resistant gloves.  Both of these items can also be purchased at Grangers.  They have on line ordering if Grangers is not conveinent to you, and I'm sure there are other suppliers.

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I highly recommend using 3M filters that are RATED FOR CHLORINE

Buy the 3M 6009 (Mercury Vapor/Chlorine Gas) filters.

Don't settle for less.

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Thank you Dave for the info and learning lesson on Chlorine vapors. I use NORTH SAFETY products. They are my largest customer, and I buy as much of my Safety products that they make as I can. These are the RESPIRATOR FILTERS I use. Try them out.

P.S.  I hope you are doing better, and healing well from your accident.

Chris


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