A and AP filters for respiratory masks: the complete guide

The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) , such as A and AP mask filters, is essential to ensure worker safety. Respiratory protection is crucial in work environments where the risks associated with toxic substances and contaminants are high.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics of A and AP filters, their classification, and the criteria for making the right choice.

What are A and AP filters for respiratory masks?

A and AP filters for respiratory masks are respiratory protective equipment (RPE) designed to protect against organic gases and vapors with a high boiling point.

Let’s take a closer look:

1. A filters: A-type filters, easily recognizable by their brown color, are designed to protect against organic gases and vapors with a boiling point above 65°C. Hazardous substances that these filters can block include acetates, alcohols, benzene, ethanol, and solvents. 
2. AP Filters: AP filters, identified by a combination of brown and white colors, provide advanced protection against both organic gases and solid and liquid particles, offering dual protection in workplaces with exposure to mixed contaminants.

Both types of filters are compatible with various respiratory masks, whether single- or dual-connection, ensuring comprehensive and safe protection.

Contaminants requiring A and AP filters for respiratory masks

A-type filters are designed to protect against the following toxic substances:

1. Amyl Acetate: Esters used as solvents and flavoring agents; have a banana-like odor.
2. Butyl Acetate: Ester derived from acetic acid and n-butanol. Flammable and reacts with strong oxidizers, acids, and bases.
3. Acrylonitrile: Organic compound used in the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, and synthetic rubber; toxic and flammable.
4. Allyl Alcohol: Unsaturated alcohol used in the synthesis of resins, plastics, and other chemical compounds; toxic and flammable.
5. Benzyl Alcohol: Aromatic alcohol used as a solvent and preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; has antibacterial properties.
6. Butyl Alcohol: Four-carbon alcohol used as a solvent and chemical intermediate; exists in different isomers with varying properties.
7. Ethanol: Two-carbon alcohol commonly known as ethyl alcohol; used in alcoholic beverages, as a solvent, and as fuel.
8. Ethyl alcohol: a chemical compound primarily used as a solvent, disinfectant, and alcoholic beverage.
9. Isopropyl Alcohol: Three-carbon alcohol used as a solvent and disinfectant; commonly known as isopropanol.
10. Propyl Alcohol: Three-carbon alcohol used as a solvent and chemical intermediate; exists in two isomers: n-propanol and isopropanol.
11. Alpha-Methylstyrene: Aromatic compound used in the production of polymers and copolymers; enhances heat resistance and material hardness.
12. Allyl Glycidyl Ether: Compound used as an intermediate in chemical and resin synthesis; flammable and potentially toxic.
13. Amylaldehyde: Five-carbon aldehyde used as an intermediate in the synthesis of perfumes and flavors; has a pungent odor.
14. Aminotoluene: Aromatic compound derived from toluene with an amino group; used in dye and chemical synthesis; exists in various isomers.
15. Acetic Anhydride: Compound used as an acetylating agent in the synthesis of esters and amides; corrosive and reacts violently with water.
16. Anisole: Aromatic ether used as a solvent and intermediate in the synthesis of perfumes and pharmaceuticals; has an anise-like odor.
17. Benzaldehyde: Aromatic aldehyde used in the synthesis of perfumes, dyes, and pharmaceuticals; has a characteristic bitter almond scent.
18. Benzene: Aromatic hydrocarbon used as a solvent and chemical intermediate; carcinogenic and highly flammable.
19. Benzylamines: Aromatic amines used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and dyes; potentially toxic and irritating.
20. Gasoline: Hydrocarbon mixture used as fuel for internal combustion engines; highly flammable and potentially toxic if inhaled.
21. Benzylamines: Organic substance containing an amine group, used in chemical synthesis and as an intermediate in various industrial processes.
22. Benzonitrile: Aromatic compound containing a nitrile group; used as a solvent and intermediate in chemical synthesis; toxic and flammable.
23. Kerosene: Liquid fuel derived from petroleum, mainly used as jet engine fuel and for heating.
24. Cyclohexane: Cyclic hydrocarbon primarily used as an industrial solvent and as a raw material in nylon production.
25. Cyclohexanol: Cyclic alcohol used in the production of plasticizers, detergents, and chemical synthesis.
26. CyclohexanoneKetone mainly used as a solvent and intermediate in chemical synthesis, including nylon production.
27. ChloroacetaldehydeOrganic compound used in chemical synthesis, particularly in pesticide and pharmaceutical production.
28. Chlorobenzene: Chlorinated aromatic compound used as a solvent and raw material in the chemical industry.
29. ChloropicrinChemical compound used as a fumigant and pesticide, known for its irritating effect on the eyes and respiratory system.
30. ChlorostyreneAromatic compound with a chlorine group, used in chemical synthesis and polymer production.
31. CrinolineStiff fabric mainly used to add volume to skirts, historically made from horsehair or synthetic fibers.
32. Decalin: Cyclic hydrocarbon used as a solvent, found in two isomers: cis- and trans-decalin.
33. Dichresol: Methylated aromatic compound used as a disinfectant and solvent, also in chemical synthesis.
34. Diacetone: Chemical compound primarily used as a solvent in paints and adhesives.
35. Dimethylacetamide: Polar solvent used in industrial applications, including synthetic fiber and pharmaceutical synthesis.
36. DimethylformamidePolar organic solvent used in various chemical applications, including organic synthesis and fiber production.
37. Dimethyl Sulfoxide: Highly versatile polar solvent used in chemistry and pharmacology for its ability to penetrate biological membranes.
38. Dioxane: Cyclic ether solvent used in chemical synthesis and as a reagent in laboratories.
39. Ethyl Acrylate: Monomer used in polymer and copolymer production, applied in paints, adhesives, and fibers.
40. Ethyl Amyl Ketone: Organic compound used as a solvent, with a characteristic banana-like odor.
41. Ethyl Butyl KetoneSolvent used in paints, lacquers, and adhesives, known for its ability to dissolve many resins and polymers.
42. Phenol: Aromatic compound used as a disinfectant and in chemical synthesis for plastics, resins, and medicines.
43. Formamide: Chemical substance used as a solvent and in organic synthesis, toxic and potentially damaging to biological tissues.
44. Ethylene Glycol: Chemical compound used as an antifreeze and solvent, highly toxic if ingested, causing organ damage.
45. Chloroform: Volatile solvent used in laboratories, toxic and capable of causing liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.
46. Isopropyl Ether: Flammable organic solvent that can be toxic if inhaled or ingested, with effects on the central nervous system.
47. Isopropyl Formate: Chemical compound used as a solvent and in synthesis, with toxic effects similar to other esters.
48. Iodoform: Chemical compound, a type of organic halide, used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. Toxic and may cause liver and nervous system damage.
49. Ligroin:: Hydrocarbon mixture used as a solvent, toxic and potentially harmful if inhaled or ingested.
    
50. Methyl Isopropyl Ketone: Solvent used in paints and resins, toxic to the nervous system and liver.
51. Methylchloroform: Volatile chemical solvent, toxic to the central nervous system and capable of causing long-term damage.
52. Methyl Ethyl Ketone: Organic solvent used in paints and adhesives, potentially harmful to the nervous system and respiratory system.
53. Morpholine: Chemical compound used in industrial synthesis and as a solvent, toxic if inhaled or ingested, with effects on the liver and nervous system.
54. Mothballs: Small spheres containing naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, toxic if ingested or inhaled, harmful to the respiratory and nervous systems.
55. Nitrotoluene: Chemical compound used in the chemical industry, toxic and potentially carcinogenic if inhaled or ingested.
56. Distilled Petroleum: Petroleum derivative used as fuel and solvent, toxic if inhaled or ingested, with harmful effects on the respiratory system.
57. Pyrazine: Organic compound used in chemical synthesis, toxic if ingested or inhaled, with harmful effects on the heart and lungs.
58. Pyridine: Chemical compound with a pungent odor, used as a solvent and in synthesis, toxic and irritating to the eyes and respiratory system.
59. Pyrrolidine: Chemical substance used in organic synthesis, toxic and dangerous to the nervous and respiratory systems.
60. Styrene: Aromatic compound used in polymer production, toxic to the central nervous system and capable of long-term effects on the immune system.
61. Toluene: Highly toxic industrial solvent that can damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.
62. Trementina: Solvent derived from pine resin, toxic if inhaled or ingested, with irritating effects on the respiratory system.
63. TrichloroethyleneIndustrial solvent used for metal cleaning, toxic and carcinogenic, with harmful effects on the central nervous system and liver.
64. Xylene: Aromatic hydrocarbon used as a solvent, toxic to the central nervous system and respiratory system.

AP filters are designed to protect against the following toxic substances:

1. 1,1,1-2 Tetrachloroethane: A chlorinated solvent used in the chemical industry, toxic by inhalation and ingestion, with harmful effects on the liver and nervous system.
2. 1,2,3-TrichloropropaneA chemical compound used as a solvent and fumigant, toxic and potentially carcinogenic, harmful to the nervous system.
3. 1-Chloro-1-Nitropropane: A chemical compound used in synthesis, toxic to the nervous system and irritating to the skin and eyes.
4. 2-Chloroacetophenone (CAF): A chemical compound used as an irritant and in chemical synthesis, with toxic effects at low concentrations, such as 0.05 ppm.
5. 4-Aminoaniline: Aromatic amine compounds used in industrial chemistry, toxic and potentially carcinogenic if inhaled or ingested.
6. Acetamide: An organic compound used as a solvent and in chemical synthesis, toxic and irritating to the eyes and skin.
7. Ethyl AcetateA solvent used in paints and adhesives, potentially toxic if inhaled in high concentrations, causing damage to the nervous system.
8. Acetonitrile: An organic solvent used in laboratories and industry, toxic to the nervous system and potentially carcinogenic.
9. Acrylic Acid: An organic acid used in polymer production, irritating to the skin and respiratory tract, and potentially harmful to the eyes.
10. Chloroacetic Acid: A corrosive organic acid used in chemical synthesis, toxic to the skin and respiratory tract, irritating to the eyes.
11. Acrylamide: A chemical substance used in polymer and gel production, potentially carcinogenic and neurotoxic.
12. Adiponitrile: A chemical compound used in nylon synthesis, toxic to the nervous system and capable of causing long-term damage.
13. Aldrin: An organochlorine pesticide, highly toxic and persistent in the environment, potentially carcinogenic.
14. Phthalic Anhydride: A chemical compound used in the production of plasticizers and resins, irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
15. Maleic Anhydride: A chemical compound used in resin and plasticizer synthesis, irritating to the respiratory tract and eyes.
16. Aniline: An aromatic compound used in dye production, toxic and carcinogenic, harmful to the nervous system and blood.
17. Anthracene: An aromatic compound used in the dye industry, toxic and potentially carcinogenic.
18. Biphenyl: An aromatic compound used as a coolant and in chemical synthesis, toxic and harmful to the liver and nervous system.
19. Bromoform: A chemical compound used in laboratories, toxic by inhalation and ingestion, with harmful effects on the liver and kidneys.
20. Catechol: An aromatic compound used in chemistry and industrial synthesis, toxic to the nervous system and irritating to the skin.
21. Camphor: An organic substance used in medicines and cosmetics, but toxic if ingested or inhaled in high concentrations, affecting the central nervous system.
22. Chlordane: An organochlorine pesticide, toxic and persistent in the environment, harmful to the nervous system and potentially carcinogenic.
23. Chlorobenzene Malononitrile: A chemical substance used in chemical synthesis, toxic to the nervous system and irritating to the skin and eyes.
24. Chlorobiphenyls: Organic chemical compounds used in various industrial processes, toxic and potentially carcinogenic, with harmful effects on the liver and nervous system.
25. Cresol: An aromatic compound used as a disinfectant and solvent, toxic to the nervous system and irritating to the skin and respiratory tract.
26. Crotonaldehyde: A chemical compound used in industrial synthesis, highly toxic and irritating to the skin and respiratory tract, potentially carcinogenic.
27. Cyclohexylamine: Cyclic amines used in chemical synthesis, toxic to the nervous system and liver, irritating to the skin and eyes.
28. Dieldrin: A highly toxic organochlorine pesticide, persistent in the environment, and harmful to the nervous system and liver.
29. Diphenyl: An aromatic compound used as a solvent and in chemical synthesis, toxic to the nervous system and irritating to the respiratory tract.
30. Diisobutyl Ketone: A solvent used in paints and adhesives, toxic to the nervous system and irritating to the eyes and skin.
31. Dimethyl Sulfate: A highly toxic chemical compound used as a methylating agent, capable of causing severe damage to biological tissues and the nervous system.
32. Epichlorohydrin: A chemical substance used in the production of resins and plasticizers, toxic and potentially carcinogenic, irritating to the skin and eyes.
33. Hexane: An aliphatic hydrocarbon used as a solvent, toxic to the nervous system and liver, and capable of causing neurological damage if inhaled long-term.
34. Ethanolamine: A chemical substance used in various industrial processes, toxic by inhalation and ingestion, with harmful effects on the nervous and respiratory systems.
35. Ethyl Formate: An ester used as a solvent, toxic if inhaled or ingested, with harmful effects on the nervous system.
36. Phenylhydrazine: A chemical substance used in organic synthesis, toxic and carcinogenic, harmful to the nervous system and blood.
37. Furfural: A chemical compound used as a solvent, toxic and irritating to the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin.
38. Hydroquinone: A chemical compound used in cosmetics and photography, toxic to the nervous system and irritating to the skin and eyes.

Application Fields for Using A and AP Filters for respiratory masks

The use of A and AP mask filters is essential in various industries where exposure to organic gases, vapors, and hazardous particles is a constant risk.

Here are some key sectors where these filters are indispensable:

1. Pharmaceutical Industry: Workers involved in the production, handling, and packaging of chemical and pharmaceutical products may be exposed to harmful organic vapors. The use of A-type filters is crucial to ensure their safety.
2. Painting: Painting activities, whether spray or immersion, as well as surface treatments with organic solvents, require the use of A-type filters to protect against toxic fumes.
3. Petrochemical Industry and Refineries: In these environments, workers may be exposed to various organic vapors during the processing of petroleum and its derivatives. The adoption of A-type filters is essential for respiratory protection.
4. Chemical Industry: The production and use of adhesives and resins all within the chemical sector, with applications in various industrial fields. Handling these materials can release hazardous vapors, making the use of A-type protective filters indispensable to prevent inhalation.
5. Agricultural Sector: Nell’agricoltura, l’uso di pesticidi e fitofarmaci can expose workers to harmful organic vapors. The adoption of A-type filters helps ensure safety during these operations.
6. Research and Analysis Laboratories: Personnel working with organic solvents and other volatile chemicals in laboratories must use A-type filters to protect themselves from potential exposure.

It is crucial for employers to carefully assess workplace risks and provide appropriate respiratory masks and filters to ensure the health and safety of workers exposed to hazardous organic vapors.

Certifications and Compliance 

Regulation EN 14387:2004+A1:2008

This is the main European standard that defines the requirements for respiratory filters (including A and AP filters) used against gases and vapors. It establishes the criteria for the design, manufacturing, and performance of filters.

CE Certification

A and AP filters for respiratory masks must be marked with the CE symbol to ensure compliance with European directives on personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically Directive 89/686/EEC (later replaced by Regulation (EU) 2016/425).
This marking indicates that the product meets European safety standards and has been tested for its effectiveness in protecting against specific hazards.

Additionally, it is essential that they undergo periodic efficiency tests and are replaced regularly based on operating conditions.

Conclusion

Ensuring adequate respiratory protection is essential for workplace safety, especially in industrial environments where the risk of exposure to toxic contaminants is high.

The use of PPE such as A and AP filters for respiratory masks, is a fundamental preventive measure. Protecting workers from harmful substances helps reduce the incidence of occupational diseases and improves the overall health of operators.

Discover our full range of A filters with bayonet and screw connection:

Discover our full range of AP filters with universal, bayonet, and screw connection:

For more information, contact us for a personalized consultation.

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