Essential Filters & Cartridges

How to Choose the Right Cartridge and Filter for Your Respirator

If you work in an environment where you are exposed to harmful gases, vapors, or particulates, you need to wear a respirator to protect your health. But not all respirators are the same. You need to choose the right gas and vapor cartridges, 3M filters, respirator cartridges, and vapor cartridges, as well as the right filter for your respirator, based on the type and level of contaminants in your workplace.

What are Cartridges and Filters?

A cartridge is a device that attaches to the facepiece of a respirator and contains a sorbent material that captures specific gases or vapors. A filter, such as a 3M filter, is a device that attaches to the facepiece of a respirator and traps particulates such as dust, smoke, or aerosols.

Types of Respirators

There are different types of cartridges and filters for different types of respirators. For example, a full-face respirator covers your entire face and provides protection against both gases and particulates, while a half face respirator covers only your nose and mouth and requires separate eye protection. A versaflo cartridge is a type of cartridge that can be used with a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR), which is a battery-operated device that delivers filtered air to your facepiece.

How to Select the Right Cartridge and Filter for Your Respirator

The first step in selecting the right cartridge and filter for your respirator is to identify the contaminants in your workplace. You can do this by reading the safety data sheets (SDS) of the products you use, checking the labels of the containers, or consulting with your employer or safety manager.

The second step is to check the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approval label on your respirator. This label will tell you what type of cartridge and filter your respirator can use and what level of protection they provide.

NIOSH Approval Levels

For example, a NIOSH label may say:

• N95: This means the filter can remove at least 95% of airborne particulates that are 0.3 microns or larger.
• P100: This means the filter can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particulates that are 0.3 microns or larger.
• OV: This means the cartridge can protect against organic vapors, such as solvents or paints.
• AG: This means the cartridge can protect against acid gases, such as chlorine or sulfur dioxide.
• OV/AG/P100: This means the combination cartridge can protect against organic vapors, acid gases, and particulates.

Respirator Selection Logic

The third step is to match the cartridge and filter to the contaminants in your workplace. You can do this by using the NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic (RSL), which is a tool that helps you select the appropriate respirator based on the type, concentration, and exposure duration of the contaminants. You can access the RSL online at the NIOSH RSL.

Alternatively, you can use the 3M Respirator Selection Guide, which is a tool that helps you select the right 3M cartridge and filter for your 3M respirator based on the contaminants in your workplace.

Examples of Cartridges and Filters

Some examples of common cartridges and filters for different contaminants are:

• If you are exposed to organic vapors, such as solvents or paints, you can use an OV cartridge, such as the 3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridge.
• If you are exposed to particulates, such as dust or smoke, you can use a P100 filter, such as the 3M 2091 P100 Particulate Filter.
• If you are exposed to both organic vapors and particulates, you can use an OV/P100 combination cartridge, such as the 3M 60921 Organic Vapor/P100 Cartridge.
• If you are exposed to acid gases, such as chlorine or sulfur dioxide, you can use an AG cartridge, such as the 3M 6002 Acid Gas Cartridge.
• If you are exposed to both acid gases and particulates, you can use an AG/P100 combination cartridge, such as the 3M 60922 Acid Gas/P100 Cartridge.

How to Replace Your Cartridge and Filter

Once you have selected the right cartridge and filter for your respirator, you need to replace them regularly to ensure they remain effective. The frequency of replacement depends on several factors, such as:

• The type and concentration of contaminants in your workplace
• The breathing rate and workload of the wearer
• The humidity and temperature of the environment
• The storage and maintenance of the respirator

As a rule, you should replace your cartridge when:

• You smell or taste the contaminant.
• The end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) on the cartridge changes color.
• The manufacturer's recommended service life expires.
• The respirator becomes damaged or difficult to breathe through.

You should replace your filter when:

• It becomes clogged or damaged.
• The manufacturer's recommended service life expires.
• The respirator becomes difficult to breathe through.
• You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to replace your cartridge and filter. You should also inspect your respirator before and after each use and store it in a clean and dry place.

Conclusion

Your health and safety depend on picking the proper cartridge for your respirator filter. You need to identify the contaminants in your workplace, check the NIOSH approval label on your respirator, and match the cartridge and filter to the contaminants. You also need to replace your cartridge and filter regularly to ensure they remain effective. You may protect yourself from dangerous gases, vapors, and particles in your job by following these procedures.