My lungs are yelling at me for skipping protection
Forgot my mask during a routine clean and got hit with breathing issues. Had to take two days off because I couldn't stop coughing. The soot really messed up my lungs. Don't make my mistake, use your gear every time.
Concrete dust from mixing one bag in my driveway messed me up for two days. That stuff is fine and gets everywhere even when you think it's not bad. A proper respirator is non-negotiable now for any particulate, no matter how small the job seems. The hard way is a stupid way to learn.
My uncle did drywall for 30 years without a mask and he's fine. People online make it sound way worse than it is. I just open a window and don't worry about it.