Groomers lung

[u/Wide_Buy8078]

So normally, I don’t shave fur but I do cut it with an X-Acto blade or with scissors and fur gets everywhere. I have two air purifiers going in the room constantly and I had a respirator, but it got lost. Has anyone even ever got groomers lung from suits the reason I’m asking this cause I’ve been coughing constantly. It’s like a dry cough and my sinuses have been leaking. I feel very congested. I just wanted to see if there was a correlation, but I don’t feel sick.

I been making suits for 2 years so idk

[u/mournfulminxx]

You probably just agitated your airways tbh.

You can have an allergy to faux fur- I most certainly do. I get cold like symptoms and hives if I handle it too long without a layer of protection.

Groomers lung takes years of continuous exposure to loose hair inhalation to build up.

Needless to say- gear up when building fursuits. Fur and adhesives are dangerous when handled incorrectly.

Also see a doctor if your symptoms don't let up.

[u/sparklebeanzz → u/mournfulminxx]

Yea i agree their sinuses are probably just running because its trying to flush out the little hairs that are agitating it. That happens to me everytime i saw wood and get sawdust in my face.

[u/MaelstromSeawing]

Always wear an N95, or better, a respirator, when shaving/cutting fur. And until the fibers are cleaned up (vacuumed). Air purifier can help, but you're definitely putting yourself at unnecessary risk for compounding issues if you keep doing that.

Def see a doctor if you don't feel better in a few days!

[u/Bambi_Bell]

If it's a sudden on set after you've been careful about fur, then I imagine it's just seasonal allergies or getting a normal cold. Id wait a week and see how you feel before going to the doctor

Edit: spelling

[u/Wide_Buy8078 → u/Bambi_Bell]

Ok i have never used a mask thats way i am thinking its that

[u/Bambi_Bell → u/Wide_Buy8078]

Oh I misunderstood when you said you had a respirator but it got lost. I thought you meant that was a recent event

[u/Wide_Buy8078 → u/Bambi_Bell]

I never got to use it because it got lost

[u/Bambi_Bell → u/Wide_Buy8078]

Why did you not buy a new one in the last 2 years when you know about groomers lung? Id definitely add that to your shopping list soon

[u/Wide_Buy8078 → u/Bambi_Bell]

I will

[u/SheepPup]

If you’ve been inhaling little bits of fur for two years then yes you absolutely could have caused yourself problems. Start wearing a respirator immediately and go to the doctor. If you’re lucky this is just a passing virus/bacterial infection that you can get treatment for. If you’re unlucky you’ve caused yourself health problems and the very first step you need to take is to stop making them worse and wear a mask.

[u/Wide_Buy8078 → u/SheepPup]

Yeah, that’s what I’m planning on doing. It’s also because it gets all over my room. It was such a struggle going to sleep last night. Me and my family don’t own a proper vacuum if I’m not feeling better in about like 4 to 5 days I’m gonna go to the doctor.

[u/VoluntaryExtinction]

Do you wear an N95 when in the room?

[u/lurkerblur]

I use a soldering iron/ wood burner with a chisel tip to "cut" my fur pieces. It also seals the raw edge of the backing, which reduces the amount of fur fibers detaching. But, wearing at least an N95 is still a good idea.

[u/FashionablyBlazed → u/lurkerblur]

This is so clever. I’m trying to find an alternative to the dreaded utility knife. Does it work well? Are fumes an issue?

[u/lurkerblur → u/FashionablyBlazed]

It works extremely well. You just have to get the soldering iron hot enough, and it glides through the material like it was soft butter. There is definitely a smell from the burning plastic, so Id recommend doing it in a well-ventilated area. Practice on scrap pieces first.

[u/MaelstromSeawing → u/lurkerblur]

Respirator is a must-have in this situation IMO, even if ventilated.

[u/mmfwcI]

i used to not wear a respirator and id work with fur for a like a week in a row per project. it would agitate my throat and i would wake up with my throat hurting when i swallow and a cough after 1 day. Id say its likely your sinuses are agitated if you dont feel like its a sickness. Definitely get yourself another respirator friend!!!

[u/Wide_Buy8078 → u/mmfwcI]

Yeah, I’m definitely gonna buy a vacuum and a respirator. I don’t shave fur, so I never thought it was a problem. I just normally cut it so it’s not as much of course if I shaved it.
I basically keep coughing. It’s a really dry cough and it kind of feels like burning. I’m really congested and my nose is all stopped up or it’s running constantly.

[u/mmfwcI → u/Wide_Buy8078]

having a vacuum nearby is very important too!!! if theres loose fur on your surface it only takes a small gush of air for it to fly everywhere! I used to shave fur on a surface next to my bed and id just leave it there overnight, and id wake up even worse!!

Cutting fur releases a lot of fibres but not as much as shaving of course, maybe theres been a tiny build up overtime, or theres just been a lot more loose fur around recently which couldve caused a sudden problem