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Last Updated: Apr 3, 2009 - 1:14:53 AM

Respiratory Protection Recommendations for Airborne Exposures to Crystalline Silica	July 2008

This document describes the NIOSH policy for respiratory protection against airborne exposures to crystalline silica. NIOSH recommends the use of half-facepiece particulate respirators with N95 or better filters for airborne exposures to crystalline silica at concentrations less than or equal to 0.5 mg/m3. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also specifies the use of at least a 95-rated filter efficiency [29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134]. The recommendation for a 95-rated filter efficiency reflects the improved filter efficiency of N95 filters over the earlier dust and mist (DM) filters. Entire Document 2008-140.pdf (7.05MB; 84pgs) The free Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view these files.