MSA Asbestos Cartridge Types

Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) is a company that manufactures safety products, including respirators that are worn to protect workers from the dangers of asbestos. A respirator is a breathing device worn by those working around dangerous substances. The respirator contains a cartridge that is an integral part of the device. MSA manufactures several types of cartridges.

Physical

• Different types of cartridges are used for different purposes. A physical filter keeps dangerous particles from entering the lungs. The website Respirated points out that filter cartridges provide protection from asbestos by acting as a barrier between the asbestos and the lungs. One such filter cartridge is Type H, which protects against asbestos-containing dusts and mists.

Chemical

• In addition to harmful particles, workers encounter chemical gases and vapors that can be toxic. For this hazard, a chemical cartridge is needed, which according to the National Ag Safety Database uses activated carbon to trap specific contaminants, based upon the type of chemical cartridge selected. The cartridge prevents the particular harmful contaminants from reaching the wearer of the respirator. As pointed out in the article, it is imperative that a chemical cartridge be selected for the specific contaminants that will be encountered by the user. According to Respirated, there are chemical cartridges manufactured by MSA that protect against asbestos exposure.

Combination

• Some environments contain both harmful particles and harmful gases; for these a combination cartridge, which can eliminate both hazards, is needed. A combination cartridge is suitable for asbestos protection.