Absolutely—wearing a mask while sanding floors is essential for your health. Floor sanding generates fine wood dust that can easily be inhaled, irritating your lungs and potentially leading to serious long-term respiratory issues. Even if the dust doesn’t seem like a big deal in the moment, repeated exposure can be harmful. Use a high-quality dust mask or respirator, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, to protect yourself from allergens, toxins, and airborne particles commonly released during the sanding process.