NIOSH issues recommendations for respirator use. Industrial type approvals are in accordance to the NIOSH federal respiratory regulations 42 CFR Part 84. Development of respirator standards are in concert with various partners from government and industry.
General respiratory information along with product specific info please visit our
Respiratory Protection General Information page.
Questions involving respiratory protection or any regulations and safety concerns please see our
Respiatory FAQ's page.
Also see,
OSHA's new Respiratory Protection Standard.3M makes respiratory products ranging from disposable filters to half-face masks that block out vapors and particulates at ten times the Permissible Exposure Limit. They also make strong full-face masks from thermoplastic elastomer and silicone with scratch-resistant lenses for eye, face, and respiratory protection.
Disposable masks come in packs of 20 and have 95% protection against solid and liquid, but not oil-based, particles. Generally, they can be used all day. In addition, 3M also makes welder-specific disposable masks. The welder respiratory masks filter out both oil and non-oil based particles and are best needed for long wear in hot or humid work climates.
