For What It’s Worth

The latest high-fashion safety device to hit the job site is the Respro line of respirators. Originally designed to protect the lungs of athletes working out in cities with low air quality, the masks are finding their way onto construction sites. The one I tried out was much more comfortable than my half-mask respirator. It’s made of a soft, stretchy material called Neotex that breathes and doesn’t make your face sweat like the rubber seals on conventional masks. The filter element stops particles down to .03 microns (yes, drywall sanding dust!) and is replaceable. There is plenty of airflow for when you’re working hard, and the thing never fogged up my glasses. The different models cost $40 to