AgDARE - Agricultural Disability Awareness and Risk Education

This is not a respirator and will not protect you from harmful particles, fumes, or gases. Using this type of mask as protection from inhaling harmful substances can result in sickness or death. This mask is not recommended for respiratory protection.

This respirator is approved by NIOSH with an N95 rating. This means that minimally, this mask will make the air you breathe 95% better than if you did not wear the mask. The two straps provide a better fit than a single strap. The NIOSH approval is printed directly on the mask. Cost: about $1.10

This respirator is very similar to the two-strap, NIOSH approved respirator. The difference is the addition of an exhale valve that allows the air that you breathe out to escape without letting unfiltered air in. This makes the mask cooler and more comfortable to wear. This mask also has a NIOSH approval rating printed directly on it. Cost: about $1.85

This respirator provides better protection than the two-strap masks. You should use a half mask respirator if you are working around pesticides, ammonia (ie from livestock confinement), or acid gases/organic vapors (ie disinfecting livestock buildings). These are made as disposable masks or reusable masks with replaceable cartridges and filters. These masks must be fitted to your face and tested for air leaks. Cost: about $15-20 for the respirator. Cartridge cost is additional.

This respirator is as protective as the half mask, but also protects your face and eyes. These are reusable with replaceable cartridges and filters. These masks must be custom fitted to your face. Cost: $50 and up.