Welding exposes workers to a hazardous mix of toxic fumes and cancer-causing particulates. A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) provides superior filtration compared to disposable respirators. Here are 5 important reasons every welder should upgrade to a PAPR system:
What Is a Powered Air Purifying Respirator?
A PAPR welding helmet is a battery-powered device worn on a belt or harness that uses a blower to pull contaminated air through advanced filters. It provides a constant flow of cool, purified air into the welding helmet through a breathing tube. PAPRs remove up to 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size.
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Reduce Your Risk of Lung Cancer and Other Diseases
Welding fumes contain over 250 chemicals and metals including nickel, chromium, arsenic, cadmium, and manganese. In 2017, welding fumes were officially classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Short-term exposure can cause metal fume fever. Long-term exposure greatly increases your risk of developing lung cancer, neurological conditions, and respiratory illnesses. Welders also have higher rates of kidney damage, infertility, and autoimmune disorders.
By providing constant filtered air, a PAPR significantly reduces the amount of toxic particles you inhale during your welding career. This protects your lungs and overall health.
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Overcome the Drawbacks of Disposable Respirators
Disposable respirators are uncomfortable, especially in hot environments. The tight fit makes breathing more difficult. As filters load up with particulates, breathing requires more effort. Sweat and moisture are trapped, creating an unpleasant experience.
PAPRs blow a steady stream of cool, dry air into your helmet. The positive pressure keeps contaminants out while making breathing much easier. No more sucking air through a hot, saturated respirator. You’ll stay cool and breathe freely.
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Maintain Your Facial Hair with No Leaks
Disposable respirators must form a tight seal on your face, meaning no beards or mustaches are allowed. But with a PAPR constantly pumping air into your helmet, you don’t have to shave. Positive pressure prevents particles from leaking in around your facial hair.
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Higher Protection Factors for Fine Particles
Disposable respirators are ineffective at capturing the smallest particles and gases in welding fume. They typically have an assigned protection factor (APF) of just 10. PAPRs provide APFs from 25 up to 1000!
This means the air inside your helmet with a PAPR can be 10 to 100 times cleaner than the surrounding air. Critical for filtering out lung-damaging nanoparticles.
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Stay Safer and More Comfortable on the Job
PAPR systems like the Speedglas 9100XXi integrate advanced auto-darkening filters, superior optics, and automatic arc detection. Features like external grind mode, flip-up visors, and safety helmets make your job easier.
The stream of cool, purified air also keeps you from overheating, helping you stay fresh and focused. Less heat stress improves safety and productivity.
Protect Your Lungs with a Feature-Packed PAPR System
Don’t gamble with your health – upgrade your welding protection today. PAPR systems like the AirForce PAPR V3 with Auto-alarm system reduce toxic fume exposure. It comes with features like Flip-up design, Large view for grinding, Auto-alarm system, Rechargeable Li-ion battery, Respiratory protection, Intelligent air supply. Stay safer, healthier, and more comfortable on the job. Your lungs will thank you.
