When working in soft pastel, never blow at the dust. It is not good for your lungs. Take the work out side or hold over a newspaper and tap the back to get rid of excess pigment. Try to get used to wearing disposable gloves. The pastel art pigment can be absorbed through the skin. Gloves also help keep the work clean. It is much easier to clean the pigment off the gloves before changing colors than off your hands. If you are using this medium daily, an air filter in your working space is better for your health. When using fixatives, spray in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside