Sorting Related Health Problems? Cough/Sore Throat -> Grime?

[Deathwish_DW]

I was wondering if anything knows about any health related risks from sorting large amounts of pennies on a daily basis.
Since I began, I have developed a hoarse cough and sore throat. I have also noticed that my mucus (in my nose..) is BLACK from the particulates and grime on the pennies. I run a coin scan 303 and a ryedale.

When I took a break for a day, my throat felt better and I did not cough as much.. I'm writing this as I run a few 100$ through the machines and it is back..

I was thinknig of getting a particulate mask from Fisher Scientific since I know a few people there and can get a discount.

Is this just a coincidence or may I be on to something?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[Roadrunner]

I don't know about your case, but on the contrary, several members have professed that sorting helps their health and have even gotten sick when they go several days *without* sorting. Hmm...

[Deathwish_DW]

The dark mucus is what made me think of the pennies.. all that black dust/grime that accumulates on the counter and ryedale.

[Diggin4copper]

I wash my hands thoroughly when done sorting and use purell after washing..

[68Camaro]

Use a basic N95 mask and see if you get better.

[misteroman]

I still think its giving me a stiff neck and headaches

[TheJonasCollegeFund]

Not to be a smart-guy but when was the last time you changed your air filter? I work in a high industrial area. Some days I get some of the stuff you mentioned...but there is a boatload of stuff going on. Is there any residue on other parts of the area you are working at? Blackstuff...grime dust...should be everywhere not just your nose and fingers. I, personally, wash my hands alot and try to keep them away from my face...eyes,nose,and mouth. (YUCK!)

[Tourney64]

Copper actually has antibacterial properties as does silver. Why do you think they used to make eating utinsels out of silver.

[tinhorn]

I don't use a Ryedale, but I've run a few hundred bucks through comparitors. Seems to me the grime from pennies is more like body slime than dust. Where are you doing your work? Are you heating with wood? Sounds like a dust mask is in order until you figure this out.

[jasmatk]

I agree with tourney64 check this vid out shows how hospitals are useing copper and its antimicrobial propertys to fight mrsa and other bad germs

[frugalcanuck]

so the better your percentages the happier and healthier you should be

[Deathwish_DW]

46.xx% Copper. I am going to try some N95's, I suppose I'm just over reacting.
I didn't know about copper and it's antibacterial properties.. Learn something new everyday

[68Camaro]

It's not the copper you need to be concerned about, especially with clean coins. However, there are bad corrosive byproducts on some ugly abes, and who knows what all is attached to sticky coins, etc. So some basic precautions aren't a bad idea, seems to me.

[Deathwish_DW]

I personally thought it was all of the black grime/dust.

I made my zinc dump this morning and the coughing/sore throat hit.
As of right now, hours after I dumped, my throat is a lot better.

@68; Is that your car in your sig?

[68Camaro]

@68; Is that your car in your sig?

Yep. 68 British Green 327-4bbl 4-speed Rally Sport, aka a L30/M20.

[Finder]

Its probably healthier than stripping copper wire, I've brought blood to my fingers 100 times.
At least its clean but dang it hurts.

Lost my leather gloves too, Id rather sort pennies anyway.
Unless its big wire.

I took some copper (and a little aluminum and steel) to the scrap yard yesterday and walked out with $43 for more my penny habit.

[JJM]

I wonder if the OP ever bought a mask, and if it helped?

Honestly, I'm surprised there weren't more people reporting his problem, I know I have it too. I wear a mask when running the Ryedale - I used to have the same problem hand sorting though. My better half even reports it (well, used to, back when I was vanquished to the basement for sorting activities!)

My lungs don't seem to be 100% - might have something to due w/ the mystery pneumonia I caught in Iraq, or the 6 months we spent living downwind from a very large open dump where the trash was burned around the clock. I know a lot of guys over there that would like to wring the neck of the ring-knocking brainiac who set that one up...

[everything]

Particulate matter is present, corrosion dust from what I can tell, outside the sweet smell, similar to Mcdonalds or empty beer cans, some dust is present, makes me sneeze sometimes, the grime I don't worry about, although it is some pretty heavy duty grime. Still, try to reduce your particulate matter inhalation with ventilation or mask, both, whatever.

[Diggin4copper]

I bought a box of latex gloves and I am amazed at the amount of black grime on them after I sort,,,

[slickeast]

I bought a box of latex gloves and I am amazed at the amount of black grime on them after I sort,,,

I bought a box of latex condoms and I am amazed at the.....oops, wrong forum.

[Engineer]

I bought a box of latex gloves and I am amazed at the amount of black grime on them after I sort,,,

I bought a box of latex condoms and I am amazed at the.....oops, wrong forum.

Back on topic...If you're worried about dust you can make a good cheap dust collector out of a box fan and a HEPA furnace filter. Just bungee or tape the filter to the intake side of the fan, and you'll be amazed at how much it picks up.

The biggest health hazard in my mind would be copper and zinc poisoning if you absorbed too much through your skin.