History of U.S. Respirator Approval (Continued) Particulate Respirators

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Industrial Hygiene
• History of Technology

Background:

• This article is the fourth in a series examining respirator history in the U.S.
• It builds upon previous discussions of respirator approval and use.
• Focuses specifically on respirators for protection against particulate hazards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the historical development of respirator approval in the U.S. for particulate hazards.
• To document the evolution of respirators designed for dust, fume, and mist protection.
• To provide a comprehensive historical overview based on available United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) records.

Main Methods:

• Historical research and analysis of United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) approval schedules.
• Review of existing literature on respirator history and U.S. regulatory practices.
• Examination of records pertaining to dust, fume, and mist respirators.

Main Results:

• Extensive records exist for United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) approval schedules concerning dust/fume/mist respirators.
• The history of U.S. respirator approval for particulate hazards is detailed.
• Improvements in respirator technology and use are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• The United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) played a significant role in the approval of particulate respirators.
• Understanding respirator history is crucial for current and future occupational safety standards.
• The development of dust, fume, and mist respirators has evolved significantly over time.