overview

In May 1998, EPA issued a Policy Statement in the Federal Register which stated that all 42CFR84 respirators meet or exceed all 30CFR11 respirator requirements, and that all 42CFR84 respirators are considered equivalent to the old regulation 30CFR11 respirators. This was an issue because according to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), it is unlawful "to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling" which made the use of new regulation respirators unlawful. Therefore, it is now acceptable for workers to use old or new regulation respirators. Respirators can be used but users must choose the correct type ofrespirator for their particular application. In general:

In cases where they were using old regulation chemical cartridges with prefilters, then they can use the exact same type of cartridge with the appropriate prefilter as outlined above. They must make sure they are using an approved combination.

EPA will also be requiring pesticide manufacturers to update their labels to reflect this change of policy in the near future.

Moldex^® Solution

Moldex^® recommends N95 respirators as a minimum for dusts or mists. For combinations of vapors and dusts or mists, the 8100, 8300 or 8600 with 8910, 8970 or 8940 are suggested.

Affected Industries

Farmers
Exterminators
Greenhouse Operators
Pesticide/Rodenticide/Herbicide Manufacturers

Reference

Environmental Protection Agency Policy Statement on Labeling Requirements for Pesticides; Respirator Compliance Policy Statement Labeling requirement for Pesticides: http://www.epa.gov/EPA-TOX/1998/May/Day-07/t12151.htm and http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/labeling/lrm/chap-10.htm#VI_A

WARNING: The information contained in this Tech Brief is dated and was accurate to the best of Moldex's knowledge, on the date above. It is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it intended to be used in place of the warning/use instructions that accompany Moldex respirators. Outside of the USA, check with all applicable and local government regulations.

©2003-2010 Moldex-Metric, Inc. All Rights Reserved.