Wear appropriate respiratory protection. Many people wear the wrong type of protection over their nose and mouth, so they think they're protected when they're not. Disposable dust masks with a single strap do not protect the lungs; they're only meant to give relief from non-toxic dust and pollen. For protection from harmful dusts, look for government-approved dust respirators. For extremely toxic dusts such as asbestos or lead, respirators with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are recommended. You need gas and vapor protection in addition to dust filters for projects such as spray painting and applying pesticides.