Respiratory Protection Against Airborne Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos fibers can enter the body through the air we breathe, which is why it’s important to have respiratory protection in case of asbestos exposure. A respirator is a device designed to provide clean oxygen to the people who are wearing or surrounding the device. Here are three examples of respiratory devices used to protect against the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Air Purifying Respirators

Air purifying respirators clean the air by passing it through a filter before it reaches you. They generally come in the form of a mask that the wearer puts over their face. These respirators either have a mechanical filter for fumes or a chemical filter for vapours, or a combination of both. In order to be effective against asbestos, air purifying respirators must have a minimum efficiency level of 99.97% as certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Supplied Air Respirator

These respirators provide clean air to the wearer through a mask that is connected by a hose to an external air source. A supplied air respirator is more secure than an air purifying respirators and so it’s worn in more severe cases of asbestos exposure. All supplied air respirators must meet all relevant health and safety standards if they are to be used.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

These respiratory devices involve a portable oxygen supply that is placed on the wearer’s back. Oxygen is supplied directly to the wearer from this portable supply through the portable tank. While this respiratory device is the most effective against airborne toxicity, it is also more cumbersome and therefore not always suitable for asbestos abatement procedures.

When asbestos is disturbed, particles are released into the air that can affect anyone who breathes them. While respiratory devices may provide temporary relief, the only permanent solution to asbestos exposure is to have it professionally removed. For more information about our professional asbestos abatement procedure and to have your property inspected for asbestos, contact us today at Certified Asbestos Removal and Restoration.