| Gas masks, or respirator masks, are an | | | | in the filter. Once the filter becomes |
| essential part of protecting oneself from | | | | clogged, it must be replaced to remain |
| biological and chemical attacks. Respirator | | | | effective. Particle filtration gas masks, |
| masks, however, are also frequently used for | | | | however, will not be helpful against |
| industrial safety on a regular basis. They | | | | chemicals and a different approach must be |
| can prevent the chemicals in paint and all | | | | taken. |
| manner of airborne pollutants from affecting | | | | |
| your respiratory system. For those in the | | | | Chemical neutralization works by using a |
| field of agriculture, a quality mask is | | | | chemical to react with a particular |
| essential. | | | | substance, such as chlorine or ammonia, to |
| | | | make it non-toxic. Different filters are |
| There are three means by which respirator | | | | available for each type of chemical that |
| masks filter and purify the air: particle | | | | needs to be eliminated. These respirator |
| filtration, chemical neutralization, and | | | | masks are ideal for industrial applications |
| chemical absorption or adsorption. Particle | | | | and the filters are coded by the National |
| filtration uses a filter to block organisms | | | | Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, |
| or substances that are larger than the pores | | | | a branch of the CDC. |