{"id":18868,"date":"2020-03-05T12:52:45","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T17:52:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/?page_id=18868"},"modified":"2026-04-14T13:44:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T17:44:19","slug":"respirators-and-pesticides-i-the-right-respirator-types-noish-numbers-filter-codes-and-cartridge-colors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-i-the-right-respirator-types-noish-numbers-filter-codes-and-cartridge-colors\/","title":{"rendered":"Respirators and Pesticides I: The Right Respirator: Types, NIOSH Numbers, Filter Codes, and Cartridge Colors"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"woman
\u2014 Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

Prepared by Kerry Bernard, Pesticide Safety Education Professional
\n<\/em>Reviewed by Jason Lilley, Sustainable Agriculture Professional, and Jim Dill, Pest Management Specialist<\/em><\/p>\n

UMaine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Pest Management Unit, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473-3692, 207.581.3880 extension.diagnosticlab@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

The Right Respirator<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Inhaled pesticides can damage the respiratory tract and may pass into the bloodstream within moments. The consequences range from minor nose and throat irritation to permanent disability, neurological damage, or death.<\/p>\n

Not only is it a health risk, but when the pesticide label directs you to wear a respirator, it\u2019s illegal to do otherwise. Not all respirators are suitable for all pesticides, users, or pesticide situations, however, and selecting one is far from straightforward. The codes used to identify the different respirator types and components can be confusing. Worse, some pesticide labels still use outdated respirator language.<\/p>\n

The following graphics and descriptions should help demystify respirator terminology and classification.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Only respirators with a TC prefix have been tested and certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and approved for use with pesticides.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/caption>\n

NIOSH prefix<\/th>\nType(s) of respirator<\/th>\nExplanation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
TC-84A<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Filtering facepieces<\/li>\n
  • ALL non-powered elastomeric (rubbery) respirators equipped with a particulate \ufb01lter or combo cartridge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Non-powered respirators with non-canister particulate filtering components get this prefix, regardless of chemical protection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TC-21C<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) without a chemical cartridge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
PAPRs that protect against particulates alone have their own approval standards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TC-23C<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Non-powered respirators with only chemical cartridges<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • PAPRs with chemical cartridges\/canisters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Non-powered chemical respirators without a particulate filtering component to their cartridges and PAPRs with chemical protection get this prefix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TC-14G<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Gas masks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Non-powered respirators that take a canister instead of cartridges have their own prefix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TC-19C<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Supplied-air respirators (SARs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Airline respirator set-ups in which no escape tank is carried have their own prefix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TC-13F<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • SCBA respirators<\/li>\n
  • SARs equipped with an escape tank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Atmosphere-supplying respirator setups where the user carries supplied-air get this prefix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The Particulars of Particulates<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Particulates, also known as aerosols, are tiny, solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. These include mists, dust, fumes, smoke, mold, and bacteria. Only filters protect against particulates. These filters come in nine types, depending on how well they hold up against oils and the minimum percentage of particles they remove. P100 and HE (for PAPRs only) filters offer the most protection and are colored pink or purple for easy recognition. If a pesticide requires an N, R, or P class filter, but an adjuvant or another, the oil-based pesticide has been added to the mix tank, use an R or P class filter.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Filter Efficiency<\/th>\nNot Oil-Resistant<\/th>\nOil-Resistant<\/th>\nOil-Proof<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
95%<\/td>\nN95<\/td>\nR95<\/td>\nP95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
99%<\/td>\nN99<\/td>\nR99<\/td>\nP99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2265 99.97%<\/td>\nN100<\/td>\nR100<\/td>\nP100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Gases and Vapors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some pesticides are gases or give off gases at ambient temperatures (vapors). Filters do not protect against these, but the sorbents and\/or catalysts in cartridges and canisters can. Cartridges\/canisters are color-coded by the type of chemical they protect against. No cartridge or canister can adsorb every type of gas or vapor, but some are designed to protect against two or more (not at once).<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Since many pesticides that require a chemical cartridge produce organic vapors and particulates, a pink-and-black cartridge or canister is typical (but see the label<\/strong>).<\/p>\n<\/caption>\n

Cartridge\/canister\/filter color<\/th>\nType<\/th>\nOffers protection against:<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
\"""\"Black<\/td>\nOrganic vapors<\/td>\nMost pesticide vapors, but not<\/strong> pesticide dust or mist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"""\"White<\/td>\nAcid gases<\/td>\nSulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, most disinfectants<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"""\"Yellow<\/td>\nOrganic vapors and acid gases<\/td>\nBoth organic vapors and acid gases, but not at once<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"""\"Green<\/td>\nAmmonia<\/td>\nAnhydrous ammonia and ammonia from livestock<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"""\"Olive<\/td>\nMulti-gas<\/td>\nOrganic vapors, acid gases, ammonia, formaldehyde, others<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"""\"Pink or purple (filters)<\/td>\nP100 or HE filter<\/td>\nParticulates \u2014 dust, mists, and fumes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"""\"Black and pink<\/td>\nOrganic vapors and particulates<\/td>\nThe vapors, dust, and mists typical of most<\/strong> pesticides<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Air-purifying respirators mechanically filter out particulate contaminants and\/or adsorb gases and vapors as the air is drawn through filters, cartridges, or a canister. They cannot be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.<\/p>\n

\"Filtering<\/a>
Illustration by Donald Barry<\/span>Filtering facepiece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Filtering facepieces<\/strong> are disposable particulate APRs in which the entire facepiece serves as a filter. Though not elastomeric, they must be tight-fitting with a proper seal. As non-powered particulate APRs, they get the TC-84A NIOSH designation.<\/p>\n

\n

Nuisance Dust Masks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Though they strongly resemble filtering facepieces, nuisance dust masks are not respirators, are not NIOSH-approved, and cannot provide adequate protection against pesticides. They only protect against nuisance levels of non-toxic<\/strong> particles.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Non-powered<\/a>
Illustration by Donald Barry<\/span>Non-powered combo cartridge APRs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reusable non-powered chemical cartridge and particulate APRs<\/strong> are tight-fitting respirators equipped with cartridges of activated carbon that adsorb gases and vapors, filters that mechanically prevent particulates from entering the facepiece, or combination cartridges with the components of both. NIOSH designates all non-powered respirators with only chemical cartridges as TC-23C and all non-powered respirators and cartridges with particulate protection as TC-84A. Since most pesticides for which respirators are used require some particulate protection, TC-84A respirators are more common. The facepieces for either can be half- or full-mask.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nType<\/span><\/th>\nNIOSH prefix<\/span><\/th>\nFacepiece<\/span><\/th>\nFit<\/span><\/th>\nReusable<\/span><\/th>\nProtects against particulates<\/span><\/th>\nOil resistant<\/span><\/th>\nProtects against OV<\/span><\/th>\nProtects against fumigants<\/span><\/th>\nFor use in IDLH atmospheres<\/span><\/th>\nRequires fit test<\/span><\/th>\nOffers eye protection<\/span><\/th>\nCan be worn with facial hair<\/span><\/th>\n\u21d1<\/strong>\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

Increasing protection<\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u21d1<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators<\/span><\/th>\nSelf-contained Breathing
\nApparatus
\n(SCBA)<\/strong><\/td>\n		TC-13F<\/td>\nHood\/
\nhelmet<\/td>\n		Loose<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elastomeric<\/td>\nTight<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supplied-air Respirator
\n(SAR)<\/strong><\/td>\n		TC-19C<\/td>\nHood\/
\nhelmet<\/td>\n		Loose<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nAt lower than IDHL levels<\/td>\nAt lower than
\nTC-13F escape bottle necessary<\/td>\n		No<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elastomeric<\/td>\nTight<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nIf full-mask<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs)<\/span><\/th>\nGas Mask<\/strong><\/td>\nTC-14G<\/td>\nElastomeric<\/td>\nTight<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nWith combo canister<\/td>\nWith P100 canister<\/td>\nWith OV canister<\/td>\nSome, at very low levels<\/td>\nEmergency escape only<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chemical
\nCartridge
\nRespirators<\/strong><\/td>\n		TC-23C<\/td>\nPowered hood\/
\nhelmet<\/td>\n		Loose<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nWith HE filter<\/td>\nWith HE filter<\/td>\nWith OV cartridges<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Powered elastomeric<\/td>\nTight<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nIf full-mask<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Non-powered elastomeric<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Powered
\nParticulate Respirators<\/strong><\/td>\n		TC-21C<\/td>\nHood\/helmet<\/td>\nLoose<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes, HE filters<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elastomeric<\/td>\nTight<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nIf full-mask<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Non-powered Particulate Respirators<\/strong><\/td>\nTC-84A<\/td>\nElastomeric<\/td>\nTight<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nWith R or P rating<\/td>\nWith OV combo cartridges<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nIf full-mask<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Filtering Facepiece<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\"Powered<\/a>
Illustration by Donald Barry<\/span>Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs)<\/strong> force air through a filter and\/or cartridge for the user, making it less strenuous to breathe than when wearing other APRs. They\u2019re commonly outfitted with a loose-fitting helmet or hood instead of an elastomeric facepiece. This allows individuals who are unable to get a proper seal with tight-fitting respirators, or those with certain physical limitations, to use them. PAPRs are classified differently by NIOSH, depending upon whether they protect against gases and vapors (TC-23C) or particulates alone (TC-21C). TC-21C PAPRs are equipped with a high efficiency (HE) filter. TC-23C PAPRs have either a chemical cartridge or combination cartridge with both HE filter and chemical sorbent. PAPRs are typically much more expensive than non-powered APRs, but may be the only option for some individuals, including those with beards.<\/p>\n

\"gas<\/a>
Illustration by Donald Barry<\/span>Gas mask<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gas masks<\/strong> are non-powered, elastomeric APRs that take a canister. With the proper canister, they protect from both pesticide particulates and vapors. Gas masks are more effective for longer than other non-powered APRs. Some fumigant labels allow their use at known, low-level chemical concentrations. They can be used to escape from IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) atmospheres in emergency situations, but the canisters become saturated too quickly under these conditions to be used in place of atmosphere-supplying respirators.<\/p>\n

Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Atmosphere-supplying respirators must be used when the air is oxygen-deficient or too contaminated to safely filter\/decontaminate. They provide clean, oxygenated air, either from a tank carried by the user (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus), or through a line from a compressor (Supplied-Air Respirator). These are the only respirators that can be used safely when working with most fumigants or other pesticides at or above IDLH levels.<\/p>\n\n\t\t