: I don't know about the birds, but the respirator is a must. Epoxy/fiberglass
: dust can be extremly toxic. I use my respirator even when sanding wood. I
: believe some wood dust has even been found to be cancerous (Cedar, Redwood
: ?). Bottom line: Spend the money and get a good respirator with cartridges
: for organic vapors.

While organic vapor cartridges are good for epoxy (while mixing and applying), they are nearly useless against fiberglass (and cured epoxy) and wood dust. Yes, they will stop the large, irritating particles from getting through. But those particles are exactly that - irritating, not hazardous. The dust particles that are truly hazardous to your health are those that are too small for you to see. These are the ones that lodge in the linings of your lungs and can lead to cancer. These small particles will pass right through an organic vapor cartridge. You need to get a high efficiency particulate cartridge. Or, if you want an all purpose cartridge, most manufacturers do make combination cartridges that protect against both organic vapors and particulates. Of course, the combination cartridges do have 3 disadvantages. First, they are more expensive. Second, they are a bit larger and heavier, which can lead to sore neck muscles if you are in them for too long. Finally, breathing is more difficult because you are inhaling through two filters, rather than one - which can tire you out sooner.

Now if you're reading this and feeling proud of yourself because you wear your lightweight, comfortable disposable dust mask, think again. Those masks only filter out the dust particles you see. They are ineffective against the small particles that can cause serious health problems. Not to mention the fact that they do absolutely nothing to protect you from organic vapors.