The 3M 2097 P100 (HEPA) Particulate Filter with Nuisance Level Organic Vapor Relief and Ozone Protection. Use this filter for protection against toxic dusts such as lead and asbestos, and for mold cleanup and remediation. If you're working around mold or if you are arc welding, then we would suggest using the 3M 2097 Filter. Active mold growth produces Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that won't be absorbed by a lesser filter. Arc welding produces ozone, which also won't be absorbed by a lesser filter.
The 3M 2097 P100 Filter's extremely fine filtration traps all but the most minuscule particles. They protect against asbestos and lead dusts in particular, as well as a host of other dusts, allergens and fumes. The filters are extremely lightweight and flexible and they fit tight against the mask, which makes wearing this type of mask a bit more comfortable.
The 3M 2097 Filters are what we recommend to use with wood smoke or diesel exhaust, but with a couple of conditions to be aware of. First, no filter or cartridge we offer will protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent injury or death. Second, the filter will only remove the particulates and some nuisance organic vapors. There may be other combustion by-products present that are hazardous to your health. For example, a wildfire may burn much more than vegetation, exposing you to a wide variety of respiratory hazards.
The 3M 2097 P100 Filters fit on the 3M 6000 and 3M 7500 series half masks, as well as the 3M 6000 full face respirators. HEPA filtration is rated to remove 99.9% of particles .3 microns and larger. This includes most welding fumes (burnt metal), toxic dusts like asbestos and lead, Bondo and particles created by bodywork. They also help folks who have allergies to many of the environmental dusts. Sometimes called a pancake filter, they are attached directly to the mask. A simple 1/4 turn locks them on, and no retainers or other attachment methods are needed.
*If there will possibly be welding spatter hitting the filter, this may cause a hole to be burnt through. In this case it is suggested that you use the 3M 7093 P100 Filter. The 7093 has a plastic case that will resist the hot metal spatter.
Priced and sold by the pair.
