Respirator or Dust Mask - What is the Difference?
by Boris Dzhingarov on May 20, 2015
When embarking on any project whatsoever where you will be subjected to airborne particles, you may want to make sure to have the appropriate level of protection available in the form of a face mask. There are two main categories you should familiarize yourself with to find the level of protection you need. Do you know the difference between a respirator and a dust mask and could you choose the right one for your needs? Here is some information that might help you make the right decision. After all, your health depends on it!
Basic Level Dust Masks
Before you go any further, there is one thing you need to understand. A dust mask will not offer any level of protection against toxic airborne substances. They are merely to help filter the air you are breathing against things like dust that can cause you to sneeze and cough. They will never filter any vapors or gases and for sure they cannot guard against airborne particulates (dust) from such things as asbestos that may still be present in many homes as insulation from ages ago.
A Brief Explanation of a Respirator
If you need protection against dangerous gases, vapors and dust particles or even to guard against certain allergens, you will need to take proper precautions with a respirator. This is a special kind of mask that has been manufactured to filter even the tiniest microscopic particulates out of the air you are breathing. One of the leading products on the market is a 3M Respirator because it is designed and manufactured by a trusted name in the industry.
Don’t Let Cost Dissuade You
Dust masks and respirators vary in price based on the level of protection you need but cost should never dissuade you from purchasing the product you need to ensure your safety. The ultimate purpose of a mask is to keep those toxins from being inhaled and if they aren’t made to filter down to the smallest level of particle you may be exposed to, they are virtually useless.
Your Life Could Depend on It
You can find good quality products online at costs that are reasonable (usually due to lower overheads of online merchants) so why not get the protection you need? Without sounding over-dramatic, your life could very well depend on it. Look at all those cases of mesothelioma that have surfaced as a result of workers who weren’t properly protected? Now that you understand the difference, it is vital that you take the time to think about why you are going to be wearing one and how much protection you need.
Are you going to be working with toxic or hazardous materials? Perhaps you are simply going to be doing some much needed spring housecleaning and want to avoid breathing in all that dust you will be disturbed in the process. Choosing between a respirator and a dust mask is a serious business so make sure you get it right. As stated above, your life could depend on choosing the right protection based on the substances you are exposed to. There is no getting around that fact, so get it right.
Popular Articles
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
65313 Views
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
63402 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
58930 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
40231 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
25229 Views
Latest Articles
6 Reasons Why Your House Is Not Selling
As soon as you decide that you need to sell your house, time starts to fly. As of June 2021, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported...
on May 17, 2022
What is the Average Cost to Repair a Foundation?
The most important part of any structure is the foundation, considering that it gives support to everything above it and ensures that the structure...
on Apr 26, 2022
6 Favored Methods for Foundation Waterproofing You Should Know
If you have ever walked down to your basement and noticed a small trickle of water or a small puddle on the floor, you may dismiss it as no big...
on Apr 24, 2022
7 Great Hacks For People Who Hate Doing Chores at Home
Count yourself lucky if you find cleaning and doing chores therapeutic. For the rest of the population, doing chores can be one of the most...
on Apr 12, 2022
Driveway Drain - Why is it Important for Safety
A driveway is often our first impression of a home. It tells people how we want them to feel when they're welcomed in. That's why it's important to...
on Apr 1, 2022
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
6 Reasons Why Your House Is Not Selling
on May 17, 2022
Real Estate / Finance
As soon as you decide that you need to sell your house, time starts to fly. As of June 2021, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported...
Juan Plumbing - Learn about SCAMs
on Sep 17, 2021
Hire Contractors / Estimates

I can firmly say, I'm only trying to be an advocate for a neighbor that is a DISABLED SENIOR who was taken advantage of in this SCAM. I feel the...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 258
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 233
- Real Estate / Finance — 188
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 181
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 145
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 138
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 114
- Plumbing / Basements — 114
- Doors / Garages — 112
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Repairing Floor Coverings after a Flood
Flood is a dreaded calamity that occurs in an unexpected time. A flood causes severe damage to properties and livelihood of people ranging from...
Top Rated Garage Door Remote Clickers
If you rely on a garage door remote to activate the opener, you surely want the best product ever. The good news is that there are many choices,...
Best Pool Renovation Ideas
Your pool area is a fun space for your family and friends. It could as well be a cozy place where you can relax. But if this looks drab right now...
How to Save Money when You Buy Garage Doors
Everyone is looking for frugal solutions even when they seek new garage doors. But is it possible to save money and still get a durable garage...
How To Pick The Best Home Heater
It is important to know the measurements of the spot where you are going to put your furnace. That is common sense nowadays so better do it the...