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609 Health Hazards in Nail Salons
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Filtering Face Piece Respirators

If your employer determines that filtering facepiece respirators are necessary, they must be NIOSH-approved.

N95 repirators protect against particulates, but not gases and vapors.

This type of respirator will help protect you from dust, viruses, and germs. However, it will not protect your from vapors or gases. Some N95 masks have filters which reduce chemical odors, but they may not protect you from harmful chemical exposure levels.

Filtering face piece respirators are helpful when you are buffing or filing nails and/or using acrylic powders.

You don't need to wear the mask all the time, only when you are working on a client. When you put on this mask, make sure your hands are clean to avoid irritating your skin.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-6. Some N95 gas masks have filters which reduce chemical odors, but they may NOT protect you from _____.