[daltec]

I wore a K-95 with an exhalation valve, back in early November when I was painting part of wife's car. Good-quality 3M K-95 mask with rubber seal.

I was applying a pretty nasty (but very good) 2k clear coat, with hardener. Warnings and little skull pictures all over the container. With mask on, I could not smell it at all.

After I was done, I walked away some distance (maybe 20') and removed the mask. And let me tell you, that stuff stinks! :-)

I have no idea what the particle size is for that clear coat. It was a pretty fine mist from a paint gun, and of course I was right up against it. But I could not smell it with the mask on.

[cyclotic]

You’re lucky. Normal N95 type disposable respirators are not sufficient for vapors.

For my job, I occasionally need a cartridge respirator and I must use a specific cartridge for similar vapors.

As far as I know, only one company makes a disposable one for vapors and it’s not a Home Depot type item.

Plus, yours probably had an exhalation valve. It’s just blowing pure exhaled air out, thus making the “I’m protecting you from me” argument null and void.