The latest high-fashion safety device
to hit the job site is the Respro line of
respirators. Originally designed to protect
the lungs of athletes working out
in cities with low air quality, the masks
are finding their way onto construction
sites. The one I tried out was much
more comfortable than my half-mask
respirator. It's made of a soft, stretchy
material called Neotex that breathes
and doesn't make your face sweat like
the rubber seals on conventional
masks. The filter element stops particles
down to .03 microns (yes, drywall
sanding dust!) and is replaceable.
There is plenty of airflow for when
you're working hard, and the thing
never fogged up my glasses. The different
models cost $40 to