Having done a lot of research into how to remove 1930s brown shellac paint on the internal doors of a house I was advised to wear a mask.

Old paints contain lead & you can never be completely sure how old the paint you are removing is.  Lead is a poison & fine particles & fumes are not good for your lungs.

So whether you are sanding, using a paint gun or using a paint stripper it is definitely worth looking after your health & wearing a mask!