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What are Air Purifying Respirators?
Air purifying respirators are special types of masks that cover the nose and mouth for the purpose of filtering contaminants from the air as a person breathes. These respirators are comprised of three basic parts: a mask to cover the nose and mouth, a filtering device and a cartridge. The mask itself possesses a canister to either side of the mouth. The canister contains the combined filters and cartridges. Breathing through the mask forces air to enter through the canisters, which capture contaminants — such as dust or smoke — while the cartridge removes harmful gasses or other vapors.
Many types and models of air purifying respirators exist, all designed for specific uses. The simplest example of these, a dust mask, can be disposed of after only one use. The half-face design is often used for cleaning or working in areas that have high concentrations of dust in the air. More complex designs, such as gas masks, can be used multiple times and might provide a shield for the eyes and upper face, or they might cover the entire head like a hood. Heavy-duty air purifying respirators, such as those used for construction or mining, require specific cartridges, depending on what gasses might need to be filtered.
Another type of respirator, a powered air respirator, can handle two or more gaseous contaminants, filtering them through the cartridges before delivering clean, breathable air to the user. Cartridges are manufactured to absorb specific contaminants and are color-coded to help the user select which type will best suit his or her needs. Powered air purifying respirators, such as those sometimes used in automotive paint shops, also require specific filters, depending on the particles encountered in the environment in which the the user will be working. Typically, a small fan is employed to draw the air in for cleansing.
Air purifying respirators offer a good deal of mobility for the wearer because they rely on natural respiration and eliminate the need for a portable, contained air supply. The lack of contained atmosphere means that air purifying respirators can be used only in an environment that contains enough oxygen for human survival. To enter any environment without adequate oxygen would require an atmosphere-supplying respirator with a provided air supply.
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![Most miners wear face protection, which may include an air purifying respirator.]()
By: KelpfishMost miners wear face protection, which may include an air purifying respirator. -
![Gas masks may shield the eyes and upper face in addition to filtering the air a person breathes.]()
By: Fernando CortésGas masks may shield the eyes and upper face in addition to filtering the air a person breathes.
Discussion Comments
Should coal miners be using respirators that purify air and also provide oxygen. I believe those coal mines can be short of oxygen. The developed world has mostly resolves issues about oxygen supply in coal mines. Accidents have been avoided. But it's still a major problem in developing countries. Most of the time in these accidents, miners could have been saved if they had respirators with oxygen supply.
@literally45-- I'm sure you can get one online. But since there are different types that work against different particles, you should do some research. You want to be sure that the purifying respirator is a good choice for saw dust.
My dad was a coal miner and he always used a purifying respirator. He found it uncomfortable but of course, it wasn't a choice and I'm sure it protected him from lung disease. He lived fairly long and did not have occupational disease despite having worked several decades as a miner. Of course, their respirators were issued to them by the company so I'm not sure where one could buy it specifically.
Can anyone purchase an air purifying respirator? I work with wood a lot in my free time. It's my hobby. But I'm exposed to a lot of saw dust in the process because I do cut wood. I've started coughing a little lately and I'm wondering if a regular paper mask is enough to protect me. I think I should get a purifying respirator.
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