Question about organic vapor filters

[Patrice Lemée]

I need to take a better look at my respirator. After doing some reading on the subject here I am pretty sure I need some organic vapor cartridges for it and some P100 filters over that for particles. My brother is having a mushroom problem at his house and uses those kind of cartridges these days while doing the repairs. He told me that in between use he puts the cartridges in ziploc bags because the active ingredient in them actually has a shelf life. I haven't come across anything about this while searching the forums and was wondering if any of you guys knew something about it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Patrice

 

[12345678910]

Yes, VOC cartridges will provide more protection avainst the fumes in G10, micarta, acetone and such.

If you see "Recommended for relief against nuisance levels of organic vapor odors" that won't do
We need better protection


P100 is the fine dust filter

The VOC cartridges do have a shelf life, The active ingredient is mostly activated charcoal.
Putting them in a sealed bag is good, except that they must be allowed to dry out fully first.

How can you tell if they need replacement?
The only info I have is the taste test, if you can smell or taste anything
(acetone, formaldehyde)...then you are no longer protected.

3M and North Safety are the big brands in this area.
Their websites may yield more info.

 

[Phillip Dobson]

Thanks, that's good info.

For wood, I usually just use the P100s. When I'm grinding G10 and CF, I use the OV filters. They cut the smell down to nothing and that has to be a good thing.