Specification Sheet

Respirator Filter Definitions 10
Respirator Filter Definitions
3M 42 CFR 84 Filters
N-Series Filters: These lters are
restricted to use in those atmospheres
free of oil aero sols. They may be used for
any solid or liquid airborne particulate
hazard that does not contain oil.
Generally these lters should be used
and reused subject only to con sid erations
of hygiene, dam age, and increased
breathing resistance.
N95 Particulate Filter -
At least 95% lter ecient when
tested with ~0.3 µm NaCl aerosol.
N100 Particulate Filter -
At least 99.97% lter ecient when
tested with ~0.3 µm NaCl aerosol.
R-Series Filters: A lter intended
for removal of any particle including
oil-based liquid aerosol. They may be used
for any solid or liquid airborne particulate
hazard. If the atmosphere contains oil, the
R-series lter should be used only for a
single shift (or for 8 hours of continuous or
intermittent use).
R95 Particulate Filter -
At least 95% lter ecient when
tested with ~0.3 µm DOP
(Dioctyl Phthalate) aerosol.
P-Series Filters: A lter intended for
removal of any particle including
oil-based liquid aerosols. They may be
used for any solid or liquid particulate
airborne hazard. NIOSH requires that
respirator manufacturers establish
time-use limitations for all P-series lters.
3M recommends that in atmospheres
containing oil aerosols, P-series lters
should be used and reused for no
more than 40 hours of use or 30 days,
whichever occurs rst, unless the lter
needs to be changed for hygiene reasons,
is damaged, or becomes dicult to
breathe through before the time limit
is reached. When used in atmospheres
containing non-oil aerosol, 3M P-series
lters should be used and reused subject
to conditions of hygiene, damage and
increased breathing resistance.
P95 Particulate Filter -
At least 95% lter ecient when
tested with ~0.3 µm DOP
(Dioctyl Phthalate) aerosol.
P100 Particulate Filter -
At least 99.97% lter ecient when
tested with ~0.3 µm DOP
(Dioctyl Phthalate) aerosol.
Oil: Any of numerous mineral, vegetable and
synthetic substances and animal and vegetable
fats that are generally slippery, com bus ti ble,
viscous, liquid or liqueable at room tem per a tures,
soluble in various organic solvents such as ether
but not in water.