NO MORE BROWN BOOGERS!

[Breadfruit Bill]

I mix my potting media in a concrete mixer when making larger quantities and always end up with way too much free floating particulate matter in my nose (and I'm sure my lungs).  What do ya'll do when mixing...  I'm not too keen on wetting the media as I'm mixing it, I find that it doesn't mix as evenly...  Should I just deal with the uncomfortable heat of a particulate mask?

[MattyB]

Don't inhale perlite it's a carcinogen I think.  Even if it's not, it's nasty stuff to breathe.  I hold my breath but then again I'm not too smart so you might wanna try som.............(mattyb passed out)

[Palmarum]

Have someone else mix it for you...

Ryan

[Tad]

mix a wetting agent in

[Tad]

mix a wetting agent in and wet it down as you mix it.

[Tad]

switch to pbh.....parboiled rice hulls, not the same thing as composted ricehulls. it is in some areas replacing perlite, google pbh rice hulls and read up on it, it may be somthing that works for you. it is quasi dustless.

[Don Little]

(MattyB @ May 02 2007,15:33)

QUOTE

Don't inhale perlite it's a carcinogen I think.  Even if it's not, it's nasty stuff to breathe.  I hold my breath but then again I'm not too smart so you might wanna try som.............(mattyb passed out)

Matt,

Are you concious yet? I know vermiculite is a carcinogen but I didn't think perlite was, but I could be wrong.

[The Germinator]

I know vermiculite is I saw a documentary on it. i have stopped using it. I do no know if perlite is, but junk in your lungs is still junk in your lungs, it can't be good. I need to start wearing a mask.

[Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax)]

Guys, not ALL vermiculite is a carcinogen.  The documentary was about a mine in Montana that had ore that was "contaminated" (not sure that is the right word) with another ore that had properties like asbestos.  Problem is, not all vermiculite sources have been checked.  After the whole episode in Libby MT, I suspect all vermiculte sold in the USA has been checked for that "contaminate".  

Perlite is certainly a serious irritant, but branding it a carcinogen might be a bit strong.  Can someone in CA tell the group if either vermiculite or perlite appear on your prop 54 list.  (Maybe thats a defunct nightclub in New York).  You know the list that contains "suspected carcinogens".