Avoiding Airborne Calcium Hydroxide

[Character85]

Hi all,

Back in the hobby about a month now after 10 year hiatus due to work being moved around every year. Ran multiple successful FOWLR tanks for over 5 yrs but never a reef tank requiring dosing. Anyone ever get sick or have respiratory issues from dealing/mixing calcium hydroxide aka Kalk? What are people's best techniques/methods to measure and mix without getting any fine particulates/powder airborne. Seems no matter how gentle I am theres always some particulates going airborne from spoon to my 3 gal dosing tank. From wat I read its really nasty stuff and even though ive been dosing a month now I had no issues until today where my throat was a little irritated after hovering too close when scooping the powder. Do we wear masks? Or is there a special way to prevent any fine particles from getting airborne to prevent any future issues?

 

[Rick.45cal]

Probably best to wear a mask

 

[Character85]

Yes that is definitely happening going forward. Anyone have any specific strategies/techniques I can piggyback off of?

 

[Rybren]

I always wore a mask and goggles. The powder is so fine and would really bother me if I didn't wear PPE.

 

[Nano sapiens]

I've been using Kalkwasser for 30+ years without an respiratory issues (no mask). I just spoon carefully, add slowly to the water while gently stirring in the container so there's virtually no dust. I only have to do this once a week or so, so exposure is very minimal.

However, for those with a sensitive respiratory system, definitely wear a mask.

 

[Character85]

Thanks all. Lesdon learned.