Hazard & Contaminant Types

Particulates
A particle is simply a very tiny piece of matter. If the particle is dry it is referred to as a dust. If the particle is in liquid form it is referred to as a mist. Some particles can be seen by the naked eye; others cannot. Regardless of the form particles are in, they can cause irritability and disrupt your respiratory system.
Example Operations: sanding, drilling, grinding, mixing, spraying, cleaning, etc...

Fumes
A fume is created when a solid material, such as metal, is burned or liquefied. Like other particles, not all fumes can be seen by the naked eye, so the use of respiratory protection is a must in these applications.
Example Operations: welding, foundry, smelting, etc...

Gases
Gases are substances that have no identifiable shape or form. They cannot be seen and they may even be odorless. Gases simply hang in the air around us.
Example Gases: CarbonMonoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, etc...

Vapors
Some liquids, when heated, become gases called vapors. When you boil water, for example, the water evaporates – it turns into water vapor. Vapors cannot be seen by the naked eye, and many can be dangerous when breathed – they can damage not only your respiratory system, but other organs as well.
Example Vapors: solvents, petroleum products, etc...

Hazard	Respirator Style
Particulates	Disposable Air Purifying w/ filter PAPR w/ filter Airline SCBA
Particulate - IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health	Airline w/ escape cylinder SCBA EBA
Gas/Vapor	Air Purifying w/ chemical cartridge PAPR w/ chemical cartridge Airline SCBA
Gas/Vapor - IDLH	Airline w/ escape cylinder SCBA EBA
Gas/Vapor/Particulate	Air Purifying w/ checmical cartridge/filter PAPR w/ chemical cartridge/filter Airline SCBA
Gas/Vapor/Particulate -IDLH	Airline w/ escape cylinder SCBA EBA
Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere	Airline w/ escape cylinder SCBA

Respiratory Protection Airgas.com Resources

• Respiratory Protection




• OSHA Consultation Services




• Factors That Can Influence Respirator Selection
  

• Hazard & Contaminant Types




• Respirator Styles




• Welding Fumes & Gases – How to Avoid Overexposure




• Filter Classification




• Airgas.com Respiratory Protection Guide