with solvents I use the heavy neoprene gloves that are labeled "chemical resistant", and when the vapor exposure will be more than just a few whiffs I wear a respirator with chemical-vapor rated carbon filter cartridges.

It's uncomfortable but necessary.

Years ago I shared a hospital room with a guy who was dying of some sort of COPD and had to have his airways suctioned about every 20-30 minutes. Not very pleasant to see and hear. Every breath was a struggle for this guy and he was going through a living hell. Not much sleeping for either of us that night. I wish every smoker could see it -- they would get motivated to quit cold-turkey.

I also had the misfortune to see a close family member die slowly of cancer.

In either case it's a most awful situation and IMHO justification for legalized euthanasia. People should be able to choose peace over suffering.