Iowa
State University Extension
An air-purifying
respirator can protect you from dust and other particles but
it can be dangerous when used in the wrong situation.
Do not
use a respirator in very dusty conditions because of explosion
risks. The rule of thumb is that if it is too dusty to see
your hand at arm's length, the atmosphere may be explosive.
Do not
use a respirator with an inappropriate filter or cartridge.
Do not
use an air-purifying respirator in a toxic environment, such
as hog confinement pits, silos or sludge tanks. These conditions
may require special equipment because the environment contains
a low amount of oxygen. High concentrations of fumes and other
toxins also can overload a respirator and cause it to "short
circuit."
For
more information about the use of respirators, contact your
local Extension office or get a copy of a new Safe Farm publication
on this topic.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
news release was distributed by Iowa State University Extension
as part of the Safe Farm Program. Safe Farm promotes health
and safety in agriculture. It is funded by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa State University,
and a network of groups that serve Iowa farm workers and their
families. Distribution date: February 1993.
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