I was a bit skeptical at first about purchasing expensive paint breathing gear.
However, I also was cautious about Zinc Chromate.
When my son applied the first coat of primer he wore his mask, but I stay upwind without a mask. Sure enough, I did not breath much of the vapors, but got enough whiffs to be uncomfortable.
During the second coat, we both wore the masks and let me tell you what, it made all the difference in the world. I could barely notice any paint smell at all.
Bottom line, don’t screw around with Zinc Chromate… get mask even if you are in a good paint booth like we were.
Even if it is not Zinc Chromate, these filter masks are still a superb idea. You need only read the ingredients of any paint can to see why.