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Q: What type of respirator should I use for lead paint removal.
A: Any half face mask with a P2 or N95 filtration capability. Affinity. Respirator Starter Kit.
For further information on lead paint removal in your home click here.
Q: What is the difference between N95 and P2 Masks.
A: The term "N95" comes from the NIOSH regulation 42 CFR part 84. Manufacturers who sell masks in the USA must have their masks tested to this regulation. Is refers to the filtering efficiency and aerosol penetration a dust mask achieves during testing.
Masks sold in Australia and New Zealand are typically tested to the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZ 1716. P2 also refers to the filtering efficiency and aerosol penetration a dust mask achieves during testing.
Both N95 and P2 masks are tested with a Sodium Chloride aerosol between 0.02 to 2.0 microns with a mass median particle size of approximately 0.3 to 0.6 microns. Aerosol droplets > 2 microns are trapped by the masks filter material, aerosols < 2 microns are retained by an electrostatic charge on the masks filter material.
N95 masks tested under 42 CRR part 84 must acheive a 95% efficiency with less than 5% penetration.
P2 masks tested under AS/NZ 1716 must acheive a 94% efficiency with less than 6% penetration.
