Exposure to pollutants and airborne contaminants is an everyday concern for many people. After all, reports show that about 66 million tons of pollution were released into the air last year alone. On top of that, millions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens are lurking in the air at any given time. Of course, some people believe that the contaminants we’re constantly exposed to are only a drop in the bucket compared to what might come.
If things take a turn for the worse, it may take more than paper or cloth masks to provide adequate protection. At that point, having a full-blown gas mask and a Respirator Cartridge stockpile may become crucial. Respirator cartridges can filter harmful gases, particles, vapors, and microorganisms out of the air to prevent them from being inhaled. Learning as much as possible about these essential tools now, before the need arises, is recommended.
What Are Respirator Cartridges?
Respirator cartridges, also known as filter cartridges or filter canisters, are replaceable devices that attach to respirators. They’re filled with special materials that trap airborne contaminants to keep people from breathing them in. In doing so, they make contaminated ambient air safe to breathe. Several types of respirator cartridges are available to protect against different possible threats.
Filter cartridges are used with gas masks and respirators. Those come in different versions, including half-face, full-face, and powered air purifiers. When combined, respirators and filter cartridges can provide protection against a variety of airborne dangers. They can also be an essential component of a full range of personal protective equipment. They’re used in numerous scenarios in which the air becomes contaminated.
How Do Filter Cartridges Work?
Filter cartridges work in different ways to remove contaminants from the air. In part, they provide basic filtration. They’re made to capture solid particles suspended in the air. They do so through the use of fibrous materials, like fiberglass or polypropylene. Those materials create a network of fibers that block particles and keep them out of users’ respiratory systems.
Additionally, filter cartridges may be equipped with materials for adsorption, such as activated carbon. Those substances can trap gases and certain other airborne contaminants. Activated carbon is particularly effective here as it’s porous, and it has a large surface area for trapping contaminants. From there, they can’t be inhaled. Some respirator cartridges also contain chemicals that react with certain types of contaminants to neutralize them. That effectively renders them harmless so users can breathe safely.
When people don respirators with filter cartridges, they can breathe as they normally would. All the materials packed into the filter canisters collect the contaminants in the air around them. Safe, breathable air works its way through the filtration materials while the contaminants are effectively blocked before they reach the user’s respiratory system. Different filter cartridges are designed for different purposes. Not all of them are effective against all possible airborne contaminants.
Choosing the Right Respirator Cartridge
Since not all filter canisters are suitable for all situations, choosing the right one is essential. Several factors go into this decision, all of which are crucial for ensuring optimal protection against airborne contaminants. Consider the following aspects to guarantee effective protection and make the selection process a bit simpler.
Know the Danger at Hand
As mentioned, not all filter canisters protect against every airborne contaminant. Some are designed to safeguard against gases while others protect against solid particles. Some don’t weed out pathogens. Because of that, the first step in choosing the right cartridge is knowing which dangers are present. Is the air inundated with particulate matter, toxic fumes, nerve agents, bacteria, or some other threat? Different types of cartridges are available to address those threats.
- Particulate Cartridges –These canisters protect against dust, smoke, and other solid matter. They’re recommended for certain types of industrial exposure, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and some types of pathogens. N95, N100, and P100 are a few common types of particulate filter canisters.
- Gas and Vapor Cartridges –Gas and vapor cartridges are used to mitigate exposure to dangerous contaminants, such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds like hydrogen sulfide to name a few. Some of these cartridges are geared toward either organic vapors or acid gases whereas others protect against both.
- Combination Cartridges –Combination cartridges can protect against a variety of threats. These include CBRN and NBC filter canisters. They can keep users safe from gases, vapors, pathogens, and radioactive fallout.
Understanding the airborne threat being faced is the key to finding the right filter. Those who are looking for filter canisters to protect against workplace hazards generally know which types of airborne contaminants they could face, so they can be prepared ahead of time. Of course, in some instances, the present dangers aren’t exactly clear. At the same time, some people prefer to be prepared in advance for a variety of possibilities. In those situations, combination filters would be the best solution.
Also keep in mind that additional environmental factors could come into play. Some cartridges can’t hold up to various types of oils that may be in the air while others are resistant to them. Those with an “N” rating aren’t resistant to oils. Canisters with an “R” rating are resistant to oils, and those with a “P” rating are oil-proof.
Evaluate Exposure Levels
After identifying the hazard or deciding it’s best to cover all the bases, it’s time to factor in the level of exposure. Some filter canisters only protect against low levels of contamination. Others are rated for higher levels. If the concentration of contaminants in the air is extremely high, cartridges that are designed for low-level hazards won’t be effective. Again, though, that factor may not be known in some emergencies. In many cases, it’s best to choose cartridges that are rated for high levels of exposure just in case.
Compatibility with Gas Masks and Respirators
Another aspect to remember is compatibility. Not all respirator cartridges are designed to fit all masks and respirators. On the other hand, some are designed to work with almost any brand. Overlooking this factor could, quite literally, be a deadly mistake.
All these considerations should come into play when choosing filter cartridges. In times of uncertainty, though, it’s best to be prepared for as many eventualities as possible. It’s also essential to be sure all those variables have as little effect as possible on the outcome of the situation. As such, combination filter cartridges that can handle high levels of contamination may be the best option.
Additional Factors to Consider
With the right filter canisters on hand, the chances of surviving dangerous airborne contaminants are much higher. Still, that’s not the only important factor. Many others also enter the mix.
Proper Gas Mask Fit
Making sure gas masks fit properly is one of the keys to survival in an emergency. If they don’t fit properly, they won’t create an airtight seal around the user’s face. That would allow airborne contaminants to enter the mask regardless of the effectiveness of the filter cartridge. Most masks are adjustable, so this shouldn’t be an issue; it’s certainly worth keeping in mind, though.
Storage
Cartridges should be stored properly as well. They come in protective packaging from the manufacturer to prevent degradation and contamination, but they should be stored in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. If not, they may not be effective when the time comes to use them.
Replacement
Filter cartridges can last up to 20 years as long as they’re unopened and stored properly. Once their shelf life has passed, they need to be replaced because they can lose effectiveness over time. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for replacement, and follow them closely.
Know When to Change Them Out
It’s also important to understand when to change out filter cartridges during use. They may last from 12 to 24 hours, but time isn’t the only indicator. If contamination levels are high, they may need to be changed more frequently. If breathing becomes difficult while using a respirator, a clogged filter canister may be to blame. Changes in taste or odor could be an indication that it’s time to replace the canister as well.
Getting the Most Protection From Respirators and Filter Canisters
Numerous airborne threats may arise in the workplace or in the world in general. Natural disasters, industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, and many other possibilities may be lurking right around the corner. Being as prepared as possible for those situations is the key to survival. Several measures can help people survive in emergency situations, and in some instances, respirators may be essential.
Respirators and filter canisters can provide effective protection against various types of airborne contaminants. Those include biological threats, nuclear fallout, natural disasters, and many other possibilities. Having the right filter cartridges to fit the situation is essential, though. Many people choose cartridges that can protect them against a variety of dangers just to err on the side of caution. On top of that, proper storage and use are crucial. Know when to replace filters whether they’re in use or in storage. Be sure the gas masks they’re used with fit properly and are in good repair as well for maximum protection.