Chemical Safety 101

Laura and I went on a factory tour earlier this week. Fun day! We had been told prior to taking the tour that there would be fumes in some areas, and they advised that if you thought it would bother you (asthma, etc.), you probably shouldn't take the tour.

When the fumes were really noticeable at one point, one of our tour-mates asked the guide, "Shouldn't they (the factory employees) be wearing masks?"

The guide said that we were only smelling the chemicals because we just came into the area. After a few minutes, you don't even notice the smell.

Mmmkay.

Later, we encountered another fume-filled area when we were accompanied by another guide. Our tour-mate asked about masks again and received the same answer. The tour-mate went on to explain that she meant she assumed they would wear masks for health reasons.

No, no, no. It was perfectly fine. The employee we were talking with at the time added that there were vent hoods taking most of the fumes away from her work area. They "can" wear masks if they want to, but no one does...

...because they can't smell the fumes.

*forehead smack* Comical conversation. Also, scary.

It was a very interesting tour though! I've never been that close to the action inside a factory before. Most factory tours are behind glass.

While we were shopping a little later, Laura spotted a young lady with breast cancer with her boyfriend/hubby and some friends, all in matching t-shirts. Laura grabbed me and we went over. She told her, "We're both breast cancer survivors. I just wanted to tell you that you've got this!" The girl hugged us. It was a really neat moment. One of the reasons Laura is one of my favorite people!