Asbestos Attorney

All About Respirators

Respirators are a person’s most important defense against asbestos exposure whenever dealing with asbestos-containing material (ACM) or working in an area that is believed to have contained ACM or been contaminated by asbestos. There are three types of respirators that OSHA recognizes as being effective.

Particulate Respirators

Particulate respirators are designed to remove harmful particles from the air that a person breathes. They capture particles in the air like dust, mist, and fumes. Unfortunately, this type of respirator does not protect against gasses of vapors. Like many things, particulate respirators become more effective as particles are filtered out of the air and become trapped in the filter that is inside of the respirator. These trapped bits clog up holes and ensure that even less manages to make it through the filter and into a person’s lungs.

Combination Respirators

Combination respirators are used in environments that expose a person to multiple hazards. They are used in situations where a person is likely to be exposed to hazardous particles and hazardous gasses or fumes. These respirators are equipped with both particulate filters to remove the dust and whatnot as well as gas/vapor filters. While these respirators are multipurpose and do an excellent job, they are frequently heavier than respirators that are designed to filter only one type of thing from the air.

Gas & Vapor Respirators

Gas and vapor respirators, like their name implies, are generally only used when a person is going to be exposed only to hazardous or dangerous gasses and vapors. They use a chemical filter to remove or neutralize dangerous vapors and gasses. They do not remove dangerous particles from the air and are frequently made only to protect against specific gasses or vapors.

Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney

If you have been exposed to asbestos, contact the asbestos attorney of Williams Kherkher at 1-800-781-3955 to discuss your case and to determine your legal options.