Main Discussion Area > Flintknapping

Tickle in the chest?

<< < (2/3) > >>

D. Tiller:
I have a sealed mask with small particulate filters on it. I thought since I was outside knapping these days I would be ok. No WAY! This stuff is way to dangerous.  I think I have learned a major lesson but I think I have done a bit of damage to my lungs. I just hope its not very much. I am knapping mostly obsidian too and feel it more in my right chest than anywhere else.

How should I get the doctors to check my lungs for this type of damage? I dont feel winded but I do feel this tickling that makes me cough at times. It was really bad after going to a knapp in a couple months back with lots of people knapping. Dang it! Why did I not start with the filter respirators before now? Man have I been dumb!!!!

Otoe Bow:
I only knapp outside, and here in Oklahoma, that means in the wind.  Sometimes I have to anchor my rocks with horse shoes, (and vice versa) to keep them from blowing away. ;D

Stay safe David.  Hope you don't have any long term problems.

Mike

D. Tiller:
Thanks! Me too!!!!

Wolf Watcher:
Silicosis just sneaks up on us!!  In the 60's I met a master knapper named J. B. Sollberger.  He went to various Universities in Texas and Europe teaching knapping techniques. He was, to my knowledge, the first modern man to reproduce Folsom and Clovis points.  I have a collection of his that demonstrates all the major Southwest type points and blades and also some of his notes as he was very scientific about his knapping.  Solly smoked and that with the silicosis he died of emphysema.  Was a great loss.  He knew all about flint knapping, but took no precautions about the dust!  The very worst material for dust is fiber optics materials.  I have made many points out of it.  Its pure silicon and makes the most beautiful points.  Not worth anything as true hunting points or blades.  Its my opinion that more dust is created during percussion that pressure flaking.  Makes me wonder is some of the knappers from thousands of years ago really died young because of silicosis!???  Watcher

cowboy:
I always have tickles and thumps and bumps going on in my chest David - don't think it's my lungs though ;D. I don't knap indoors anymore however due to the dust from abrading ALWAYS floating right into my face :-X :).

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page