Good post Allen, and good idea to research. I suspect your health risk even using a respirator not to mention the solvents, chemicals, etc you use to accomplish this hobby would definitely increase your risk over horses. It also has to do with how much of anything you do. If you sandblast everyday then your risk is higher than the guy like me who does it about once every two years. I group all of my work together, then spend a week or so out in the back forty then its over and done for a few years or more. Last time was 4 years ago and I did three entire trucks. Put them in primer, store them until you are ready.
I have done SOME research on silicosis, that's information that is pretty clear. Not as much research on glass beads and other products that turn to dust during the blasting process. So I just don't know what is better for your health, so I just use a respirator.
What I am not so sure about and concerns me more is the new Urethane and Epoxy based paints we use. That is some NASTY stuff that sticks to everything inside and out.
