I need to cut my cowl so my muffler fits properly. I'm going to use my dremel. i have eye protection. i notices that it creates a fair amount of dust. Should I use a breather mask too?

I use a paper mask and have a long-sleeved shirt dedicated for glass cutting. It doesn't get washed, but also doesn't get worn much

Probably a good idea! That dust is so light it'll stay in the air for a long time, and I'm sure it won't do your lungs any good.

It causes silicosis, a life threating, cronic lung disease.

ALWAYS wear the correct mask rated for fiberglass or use a respirator. Use safety glasses. Use clothes that you don't mind disposing of afterwards. Take a shower after your done.

The shop should be cleaned from top to bottom using a HEPA vacuum and damp mopped after allowing the air in there to settle for a few hours.

For these reasons, I always do glass work outside WITH a mask.

Do I sound paranoid? Yep ... I have a close relative that has permanent lung damage due to not wearing a mask. All this from one fiberglass job, a small telescope tube.

WOW, thanks for the input. I think I'll wait for the next sunny day and doit outside. Makes sense. Glass dust wedging its way into your lung tissue might cause problems.

Yeah, fiber glass doesn't break down like wood dust, it's microscopic and it's razor sharp. Bad news for lungs.

Inhaled wood dust isn't as bad because your body can clean it out, but long term exposure may increase your cancer risk.

Believe it or not, I tape the area to be cut and use a good pair of scissors. It works great for me.

if your grinding then its mixed with poxy arleady and is fairly safe, though will still mess you up if you dont wear a fabric mask (the descent kind form home depot is what i use, its also rated to prevent inhaling some chemicals in paint, little hard to breath but overall worth it.

if you just cutting fabric, dont worry about it unless its extramly fine (under .5 oz)

theres no way, there must have been some other reason with it. its not possible to breath in that much dust making a small tube. (unless he sanded it day in and day out for weeks)

wear a mask but dont kill urself over it.

Since you don't know all the details, I'll take your calloused statement as being off the cuff. This tragedy has affected my immediate family and I have no desire to discuss it further.

If you choose to not wear a mask, you and your family might suffer a similar fate. Don't let down your guard.