How to breathe safely around chemicals – and what matters when selecting and procuring filters.
Which respirator to use around chemicals – how to find the right protection – and why gas and combination filters from BartelsRieger are the first choice.
Anyone working with chemicals – whether in the chemical industry, laboratories, maintenance, agriculture, or disaster response – is regularly exposed to an (invisible) hazard: gases and vapors that can be irritating, corrosive, harmful to health, or toxic, potentially even fatal. Proper respiratory protection is not just mandatory, it’s literally vital.
What should those responsible pay attention to? Which respirator is suitable for chemicals? That's the wrong question. The question should begin with the filter – not the mask.
Many people think first of the mask itself – half face mask or full face mask – but the decisive factor for protection against chemicals is the appropriate respirator filter, either gas or combination filter. These remove harmful substances from the air before they reach the respiratory system.
To ensure sufficient protection, the protection level of the respirator must at least match the multiple of the exposure limit of a given hazardous substance, as determined by measurement. This ensures that the substance’s exposure limit is not exceeded in the inhaled air. Details can be found in Table 2 of DGUV Rule 112-190 “Use of respiratory protective devices”.
Respirator filters are divided into:
- Screw filters (DIN EN 148-1, RD40 round thread connection)
- Plug-in filters (manufacturer-specific connection)
A particle filter does not protect against gases, just as a gas filter does not protect against particles. If both are present, a combination filter must be used.
When should you use a gas filter – and when a combination filter
- Gas filters (e.g., types A, B, E, K) protect against specific gases or vapors, such as:
- Combination filters combine gas and particle filters. They also protect against particles such as fine dust, aerosols, or biological hazards (e.g., in the pharmaceutical industry or rescue operations).
Whether in painting work, electroplating, handling disinfectants, or disposal tasks – combination filters are the safe choice whenever both gaseous and solid contaminants are present.
How does a gas or combination filter work?
How are gas and combination filters made – and how do they actually work? A behind-the-scenes look at BartelsRieger – and what makes our filters so effective.
A gas filter works via a filtering medium: at its core, it consists of a container filled with a special filtering medium – often activated carbon. This activated carbon has been chemically treated to bind specific pollutants (e.g., inorganic vapors such as chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide).
A combination filter additionally contains a particle filter that effectively traps aerosols, mist, and dust particles.
The retention capacity of a filter is categorized into classes:
- Class 1: Low capacity
- Class 2: Medium capacity
- Class 3: High capacity
- Air is drawn through the filter during inhalation – and contaminants are retained in the filtering medium.
- The cleaned air then safely enters the user tract through the respirator.
How is a gas or combination filter manufactured?
- Specification & substance analysis
Before a filter is made, approval is required under European regulations and standards specifying which hazardous substances it must retain and how long it must protect against them. Our experts refer to substance databases, standards (e.g., DIN EN 14387), and industry-specific requirements to select the right filter. - Filling with activated carbon and/or particle fleece
Our filters are filled with specially impregnated activated carbon – tailored to the specific hazard group (A, B, E, K, etc.). The quality and quantity of the carbon are decisive for the retention capacity. A special fleece is used for pure particle filters and additionally in combination filters to trap particles. - Housing and seals
The filter housing must be robust, sealed, and precisely fitted – that’s why we use high-quality materials, often marked with a QR code for secure traceability. Our plug-in and threaded filters are also optimally matched to our masks. - Quality control & approval
Each filter undergoes multi-stage testing – from leak testing to breakthrough times against test substances – of course, in accordance with all relevant standards.
How long does a gas or combination filter last, and how often should it be replaced?
Choosing the right respirator and filter is the first step, but just as important is the question: How long can I use the filter? And how do I know when a gas or combination filter needs replacing?
Many users underestimate these questions – with potentially serious consequences: a filter saturated with contaminants no longer protects. That’s why: the better informed you are about replacement intervals, the safer your application and users will be.
What determines the service life of a gas or combination filter?
Gas or combination filters are not permanent products. Their service life depends on several factors:
- Type & concentration of pollutants:
The higher the concentration of gases or vapors, the quicker the filter’s capacity is exhausted. - Environmental conditions:
High humidity and temperatures can reduce lifespan. Water vapor especially impairs the performance of activated carbon and particle filters. - Breathing rate & usage duration:
The more air the user inhales – e.g., during strenuous work – the more air passes through the filter, increasing the load on the medium. - Filter type & design::
A combination filter with a P3 particle filter may last differently than a pure gas filter. BartelsRieger provides detailed usage recommendations for each filter.
How do I know when the filter needs to be replaced?
- Gas filters: Replace immediately upon detection of odor or taste of the contaminant. This indicates the activated carbon’s capacity is exhausted – health hazard present.
Combination filters: Replace when odor or taste is detected and/or if breathing becomes noticeably difficult.
- For substances without odor or taste: A fixed replacement time must be determined in advance – e.g., one work shift.
- Visible contamination or deposits: Are warning signs.
Typical storage life: Up to 6½ years (unopened, stored cool & dry).
Opened filters: Must be sealed airtight after use, marked with substance / usage time and date – max. ½ year storage – then dispose - Dispose immediately if damaged.
Regular filter replacement is not a hassle, but part of safe use in a hazardous environment.
The cost of a high-quality filter is insignificant compared to the risk of contaminant breakthrough into the respiratory system – both in health and legal terms.
How long is a filter shelf-stable?
Our gas and combination filters have a shelf life of up to 6½ years when stored correctly (cool, dry, in original packaging). The expiration date is marked on the housing or packaging.
Important: Once opened, a filter begins to age – even without use! Therefore, an opened filter should be used as quickly as possible or sealed airtight. Opened filters: max. ½ year storage, mark with date – then dispose.
Why BartelsRieger is the perfect partner for gas and combination filters
Because safety at BartelsRieger doesn’t end with the product – it begins with the service!
- Over 160 years of industrial respiratory protection expertise
- Wide range of gas, particle, and combination filters
- Compatible with half face masks, full face masks, and powered filtering devices
- Made & developed in Germany
- Personal consultation by specialists
- Customized rental and leasing models
- RFID-supported logistics and traceability
- Spare parts, accessories, maintenance, and servicing from a single source
Book your personal filter consultation with our experts today – and secure your respiratory protection strategy..
