Question 1

will these work for airborne diseases ?

Accepted Answer

A lot of these responses state that N/P 95/100 ratings are "down to 0.03um", which shows that they have no idea what they're talking about.  The NIOSH testing rates the filter effectiveness AT 0.03um, not DOWN TO 0.03um. It has been found that 0.03um sized particles are where filters are least effective. The filters are actually MORE effective on smaller particles (and larger as well).  That's because the filters don't work like a sieve... there's not a hole in it of a certain size  that blocks things that are larger from going through. If it worked that way, the filter would quickly become plugged and not let anything, such as air, through.

So while some of the responses are correct with references to the filter's effectiveness, they're incorrect about the reasoning on why they should or should not work.  Especially that guy that says there are smaller virii, which is irrelevant. There are statements of suitability available from the manufacturer (3M) for all these products v. the protection type required, including pathogens.

Question 2

What is the difference between 2097pa1-a and 2097ha1-c?

Accepted Answer

Both fit same masks and filter at 100 but the 1 with the C has Carbon in the filter. This cuts down on nuisance levels. From what I gather it's like a air purifier mixed in with filter. I always buy with carbon in case anything I am working on has bad smell or vapors that make you sick over time. The A is same without carbon and doesn't work on nuisance reduction. Took me much time on Google to get the right filters. Now I just stick to 2 this one with carbon and the one with plastic housing that is for harsher vapors. They work great and I use the half mask with the flip on off lever

Question 3

I am cleaning out a basement with dust and mold/water damage issues.  How often do I need to change the filters?  Thank you for your help.

Accepted Answer

Every 3M filter that I've bought came with documentation. Yes, it's rather wordy and has more information that you might need; however, in that documentation, 3M explains how to know when you need to change your filters. Basically, Smith's answer is pretty much what the 3M documentation says.

Question 4

I know the 3M 2097 filter says it also filters out organic vapors, but how does the filtration level compare to the 2091 , good for lead and asbestos?

Accepted Answer

They are both P100 filters "NIOSH Approved - At least 99.97% filtration efficiency" but you should check 3M's website for exact info. Link below you'll find docs and specs on each.http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-PPE-Safety-Solutions/Personal-Protective-Equipment/Products/Product-Catalog/~/Cartridges-Filters-for-3M-Half-and-Full-Facepiece-Respirators-6000-Series-7500-Series-7800S-Series-and-FF-400-Series?N=3294355784+3294529207+8690968+5549793&rt=rud

Manufacturer	3M
Part Number	2097P2-DC
Item Weight	1.92 ounces
Product Dimensions	2.45 x 7.8 x 6.05 inches
Country of Origin	USA
Item model number	2097P2-DC
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Size	2 Pairs
Color	Pink
Style	P100 Particulate Filter
Material	Paper
Item Package Quantity	1
Included Components	2 pairs
Batteries Included?	No
Batteries Required?	No

3MPerformance P100 Particulate + Odor Filters, 2 pairs, NIOSH-APPROVED P100, 99.97% Filtration Efficiency Against Solids & Liquid Aerosols, For Use With 3M 6000, 6500 & 7500 Series (2097P2-DC)

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