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For paint materials that do NOT contain isocyanates, such as enamels WITHOUT hardeners, generally the chemical cartridge air-purifying respirator is used. This is your typical twin cartridge half-mask type of respirator. The cartridges should be approved for use with organic vapors and should carry the MSHA/NIOSH approval designation TC-23C-XXX. MSHA is the Mine Safety & Health Administration. NIOSH is the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health. The label directions on your paint can will (usually in the fine print) specify the appropriate personal protection to use. Look for "air-purifying respirator" or the TC-23C designation. Dust masks from the chain stores are NOT the thing to use. For paint materials containing isocyanates, that is...enamels used with hardeners, urethanes and polyurethanes, an air-supplied respirator is the ONLY type of personal protection to use. Again, look carefully in the fine print on the label of the hardener can or paint can for the requirements. Look for terms like "positive pressure air-supplied respirator" or "supplied-air respirator" or something similar. These respirators use a dedicated supply of fresh, uncontaminated air supplied under positive pressure directly to the respirator facepiece. They are not commonly found in the DIY compliment of equipment. They are expensive...mine cost several hundred dollars 15 years ago. I found out the hard way that I like to breath after spraying that stuff! I very strongly recommend anyone spraying today’s paints to carefully follow the label directions for personal safety on the materials you are using...ALL the materials you are using. When mixing different components together, the mixture will assume the hazards of each of the components. So read all the individual labels for the appropriate safety information. Ignoring stated safety recommendations is done at one’s own risk. If you think paint hardeners containing isocyanates are not a problem, go the following site for a more authoritative viewpoint. Rod
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