What is in the air you breathe?

Are you using the correct air filters?

Selecting the right filters for your mask is not always easy and the wrong choice can provide inadequate or no protection. In our first series 'What's in the Air You Breathe?' we will explore some of the different types of filters and how they work.

Check out the tips shown below, but if at any time you think you might need more information or have any questions, just click to ask a specialist 3M, who will be happy to help you.

What types of filters are there?

Particulate filters they offer protection against particles, such as dust, fog, welding fumes and bacteria or viruses. They offer no protection against gases and vapours. There are different levels of protection available, which offer different levels of filtration efficiency.

Gas and vapour filters provide protection against gases and gas formed when a solid or liquid substance at room temperature evaporates. They offer no protection against particulate matter, such as welding dust or fumes. There are different types of gas and vapour filters for different types of gases and vapours.

Combined filters, as the name suggests, they offer protection against particles, gases and vapors. Different combinations are used depending on the aviation hazards.

Download our reference guide to types of masks for details on the different types of masks, available filters, applicable standards and levels of protection offered.

Your guide to the types of masks

How do filters work?

Different types of filters use different technologies to remove air pollutants. That is why it is important to select the right filter and use it correctly.

Particle filters consist of a bed of randomly oriented charged fibres. The fibers attract and trap dangerous particles as they flow into and through the filter medium. The level of efficiency and protection of a particulate filter increases as the thickness and capture efficiency of the filter medium increase.

In the case of negative pressure equipment, such as reusable masks, with which the user must use the power of their lungs to extract air through the filters, a higher thickness of the filter can increase respiratory resistance and make the mask uncomfortable to wear, or in the case of motorized breathing equipment, a higher thickness of the filter can consume more energy from the battery, so in any case it is important to achieve a proper balance.

The gas and steam filters are made of activated carbon. When gases or vapors are captured by the filter, they are absorbed into the activated carbon at the molecular level. This reaction continues until the charcoal is completely saturated; at this point, the filter has reached the end of its useful life and must be replaced. Therefore, it is very important to establish an appropriate filter change schedule when using respiratory filters.

To access a variety of respiratory hazard awareness guides, please visit the following link or contact one of our respiratory health experts 3M if you have any questions.

Link to protective filters for masks and semi-masks or half-masks.