The NIOSH ratings are a set of rules that NIOSH uses to check respirators. Today, the rules NIOSH uses is called 42 CFR 84. NIOSH uses these rules to check N95 respirators. Before the N95, other rules have been used in the past, like 30 CFR 11. Also, some less-seen respirators can have filters that can be changed. These respirators are called elastomeric respirators. See the last chart for other less-seen respirators. NIOSH checks all these less-seen respirators too.[1]
Under 42 CFR 84, rules for chemical filters are also made by the American National Standards Institute. One rule is called ANSI K13.1-1973, which are rules for chemical cartridge colors.[2] A new set of rules under ANSI K13.1-1973 is called ANSI Z88.7-2001.[3] To stay simple, ANSI's color rules are not listed below.
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