New respirators could complement use of PPE and safety gloves

A new disposable respirator has been launched to help protect people from conditions like occupational lung disease.

Designed by 3M, the firm believes its new 8300 series should help improve the comfort of respirator wearers, including a nose clip for easier fitting.

It is hoped the product's use of advanced Electret filter materials will also encourage workers to wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) for longer, in order to protect their lungs from the effects of dusty environments.

Caroline Smith, product manager for the 3M respirator protection and welding range, believes respiratory disease can prove a big occupational threat in the UK.

She said: 'When working in a hazardous environment, having respiratory protection is critical - but PPE is of no use if it is not worn.

'If something is not comfortable then chances are it will be taken off, so we set about developing a respirator that people would not want to remove.'

The 8300 respirators, which could be used alongside other PPE such as safety gloves, will now be included in 3M's Comfort series.

3M operates in a number of markets, ranging from healthcare through to office products.

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