N-95 Respirators & Asbestos

One way in which you can be exposed to certain hazardous materials is by inhalation. Wearing a proper respirator is of paramount importance if you plan to clean up a site that is contaminated with friable (airborne) asbestos that can enter your body through breathing.

Dangers of Breathing Asbestos

• Asbestos is a hazardous material that enters into your lungs through inhalation. Asbestos particles are extremely small and cannot be broken down by the body. Once these dangerous particles are lodged in your lungs, they can cause a host of chronic health problems.

Selecting a Respirator

• According to the New York Committee for Operational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), respirators are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that "can protect you against breathing in harmful contaminants that are in the air." Respirators are of no use if they are not selected and worn properly. You must always select a respirator that is rated appropriately for the types of hazards you will be experiencing. A good place to find information regarding the type of respirator that should be worn is on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

N-95 Ineffective Against Asbestos

• The N-95 is a disposable respirator that is excellent for dust, molds and other allergens. However, according to NYCOSH, the N-95 is "completely ineffective against hazardous materials like asbestos, lead and petroleum products." Therefore, if you plan to work around asbestos, make sure to wear half-face or full-face respirators that are rated appropriately for preventing the inhalation of asbestos.