Selection of respiratory protection for Pollution hazards is typically based upon the airborne concentration of the substance that the wearer is exposed to, fit of the respirator and the hazard exposure limit of that substance.

Key Differences between Masks and Respirators

Particulate Respirators	Surgical Masks	Comfort Masks
Filter particles from the air when properly fitted, helping reduce the number of particles or germs the wearer breathes in. Ideal for protection from PM2.5 Have the word NIOSH / EN / ISI and the approval type (i.e. N95; FFP1 etc.) printed on the product. Are secured tightly to the face, with 2 head straps and a nose adjustable clip over the nose to allow for a more custom fit.	Cleared by the FDA for use as a surgical mask and are not designed to protect your lungs from airborne hazards like PM2.5. Do not have the word NIOSH / EN / ISI and the approval type (i.e. N95; FFP2 etc.) printed on the product. Typically donned for a specific procedure (eg: surgery by a surgeon) and disposed of afterward. Prevent large particles expelled by the wearer, such as spit or mucous, from entering the environment. If the wearer coughs or sneezes, the surgical mask will help collect the larger particles expelled. Usually do not fit tightly to the face as there might be gaps around the edges.	Not cleared by the FDA for use as a surgical mask and are not designed to protect your lungs from airborne hazards like PM2.5. Do not have the word NIOSH and the approval type (i.e. N95) printed on the product. Not tested for any government performance standards for filtration. Usually have only 1 head strap. Do not fit tightly to the face as there might be gaps around the edges.

Who will benefit from wearing a respirator?

• People with respiratory complications such as asthma or lung disease

• People who are obese or have diabetes

• People who have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease

• Children, teenagers and the elderly

• Expectant women and new mothers

A guide to 3M™ Respirators for protection against PM2.5 and PM10

Category	Model Number	Picture	Features
N95	8511		The 3M™ 8511 Particulate Respirators provide effective respiratory protection for use in places where people will be exposed to dust particles and/or non-volatile liquid particles. Tested and certified to NIOSH N95 Category having a convex shape, with nose clip and twin strap design. It has durable, collapse-resistant inner shell with reliable, effective protection against fine particles due to 3M™ Advanced Electret Filter Material that gives effective filtration with low breathing resistance for consistent high quality performance. It also has a 3M™ Cool Flow™ exhalation valve that offers improved comfort in hot humid environments and/or where work is hard and physical.
N95	8210		The 3M™ 8210 Particulate Respirators provide effective respiratory protection for use in places where people will be exposed to dust particles and/or non-volatile liquid particles. Tested and certified to NIOSH N95 Category having a convex shape, with nose clip and twin strap design. It has durable, collapse resistant inner shell with reliable, effective protection against fine particles due to 3M™ Advanced Electret Filter Material that gives effective filtration with low breathing resistance for consistent high quality performance.
EN149:2001 FFP2	9322+		The 3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9322+ provides effective respiratory protection for users who will be exposed to dust particles and/or non-volatile liquid particles. It is Tested and CE Approved to EN 149:2001+A1:2009 and is foldable, easy to store, with a unique 3-panel design that accommodates facial movement for wearer comfort. Its low breathing resistance filter technology gives effective filtration with low breathing resistance for consistent high quality performance with a sculpted nose panel that conforms to the nose and contours of the face and an innovative chin tab designed for ease of donning and adjustment to help achieve a comfortable fit. The 3M™ Cool Flow™ exhalation valve offers improved comfort in hot humid environments and/or where work is hard and physical. Coloured headbands for easy identification: yellow for FFP1, blue for FFP2 and red for FFP3.
EN149:2001 FFP3	9332+		The 3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9332+ provides effective respiratory protection for users who will be exposed to dust particles and/or non-volatile liquid particles. It is Tested and CE Approved to EN 149:2001+A1:2009 and is foldable, easy to store, with a unique 3-panel design that accommodates facial movement for wearer comfort. Its low breathing resistance filter technology gives effective filtration with low breathing resistance for consistent high quality performance with a sculpted nose panel that conforms to the nose and contours of the face and an innovative chin tab designed for ease of donning and adjustment to help achieve a comfortable fit. The 3M™ Cool Flow™ exhalation valve offers improved comfort in hot humid environments and/or where work is hard and physical. Coloured headbands for easy identification: yellow for FFP1, blue for FFP2 and red for FFP3.
EN149:2001 FFP2	8822		The 3M™ Aura™ Particulate Respirator 9332+ provides effective respiratory protection for users who will be exposed to dust particles and/or non-volatile liquid particles. It is Tested and CE Approved to EN 149:2001+A1:2009 and is foldable, easy to store, with a unique 3-panel design that accommodates facial movement for wearer comfort. Its low breathing resistance filter technology gives effective filtration with low breathing resistance for consistent high quality performance with a sculpted nose panel that conforms to the nose and contours of the face and an innovative chin tab designed for ease of donning and adjustment to help achieve a comfortable fit. The 3M™ Cool Flow™ exhalation valve offers improved comfort in hot humid environments and/or where work is hard and physical. Coloured headbands for easy identification: yellow for FFP1, blue for FFP2 and red for FFP3.
IS:9473: 2002 FFP2	9504IN & 9504INV		Made in India and approved to the Indian FFP2 standard, This 3M 9504IN & 9504INV respirators provide lightweight, effective, comfortable and hygienic respiratory protection against dusts and mists. The convex shape, twin strap design and soft aluminium nose clip ensure a good face seal over a wide range of face sizes. It has high efficient filter media to ensure adequate respiratory protection. The unique valve model (9504INV) offers durable comfortable protection particularly in hot and humid conditions. The 3M 9504 IN & 9504 INV are “Disposable Respirator”. There is no Maintenance cost associated with this products.

References:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/co-comp/
http://www.ehs.msu.edu

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