I did quite a bit of silver airbrushing last night and while I generally have had some mild problems at night with heart palps and some shortness of breath (hormonal I think) I noticed today my lungs hurt...I'm wondering if I breathed in a little too much luster dust.

Do you guys use masks for airbrushing? Anyone ever get sore lungs?

I guess this could happen. I try to wear a mask when I airbrush. Because it does go EVERYWHERE! Last week i did about an hour of airbrushing with a mask on and I still have orange up my nose.....

my first time using an airbrush and I was sneezing pink for days! If it weren't for that I wouldn't have thought to wear a mask, but I sure do now. I would say definately could be from all that airbrushing.

Not to scare you, but to caution you, I heard from somebody that took a class at Cake Camp last July that the instructor warned about such problems especially when using metallics. I believe the instructor said she had developed asthma from such frequent use of her airbrush. Definitely use a mask. It might not give 100% protection, but every bit helps.

Thinking back I actually remember taking a big breath and tasting the stuff and then I pulled my shirt over my nose for awhile but of course that doesn't work when you are trying to turn a turntable and airbrush at the same time!

I guess I probably inhaled some dust. I need to get a mask.

Sounds like you're going to set off a metal detector. Go to Lowes and buy some of those white masks. If you dont want to - try a bandanna. I totally sympathize with you. Even when I use a towel over the KA when making frostings when I add the PS - my sinuses always get me no matter how careful I am. If you are using metallic airbrush colors always ...always...always wear a mask. Metals, once in your body, are hard to get out - hence all the controversy on "edible or not."
Check with your doc if lung symptoms get worse. To get through this time (esp since its getting colder/dryer outside which doesnt help), use saline mist nasal spray and try a humidifier at bedtime - this may help a little to get it "out."

I notice the problem more when I use petal dust. If you are prone to asthma already- then definately use a mask. You could also put a box fan facing away from you and your cake to suck the dust away. Put up one of those science project trifold boards behind the fan to "catch" the color from the fan. (you could also set up a flat area on your stove top and use your vent fan the same way)

I know inhaling it can affect you- one time I was 'cleaning" a rose that I put too much color on- I was trying to do it with everclear. My husband called me, and later told me I GIGGLED on the phone..I was Toasted!
So no- I don't drink alcohol- I inhale!

I actually also have safety goggles to avoid getting it in my eyes or on my glasses.

I have never not used a mask and safety goggles with my airbrush.

If it's a metallic I do the mask with a bandana over it.

beware of the cleaner...which is what always gets me!!

i have the blue stuff from kopycake, and it is horrible for misting up into your lungs when cleaning under the faucet. i put a dishtowel over my nose and mouth when doing it, and then have to walk away when done, because it seems to just hang in the air.