In such situations, escape respirators are issued to workers to provide protection for the applicable danger for a very short time. Escape respirators are not intended for general use. Prior to inhalation, the ambient air is passed through a mechanical filter, a chemical cartridge or a canister packed with appropriate materials to remove or neutralize the contaminants. A component used in respirators to remove solid or liquid aerosols from the inspired air. Filter is also called air purifying element.
Mechanical filters can remove only a certain type and size particulates from the air.
These filters can not remove hazardous gases and vapors from the air. Cartridge and canisters are containers with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or combination of these items, which remove specific contaminants from the air passed through these containers. Cartridge and canisters. Respirators that use chemical canisters or cartridges are capable of removing low concentrations of hazardous vapors and gases form the breathing air. The canister and cartridge contain a catalyst or reactant.