title: Respirator selection for clandestine methamphetamine laboratory investigation.
abstract: First responders to illicit drug labs may not always have SCBA protection available. Air-purifying respirators using organic vapor cartridges with P-100 filters may not be sufficient. It would be better to use a NIOSH-approved CBRN respirator with its required multi-purpose cartridge system, which includes a P-100 filter. This would remove all the primary drug lab contaminants—organic vapors, acid gases, ammonia, phosphine, iodine, and airborne meth particulates. To assure the proper selection and use of a respirator, it is recommended that the contaminants present be identified and quantified and the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 respirator protection program requirements followed.
authors.forename: Gary O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Gregory D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Bronder
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.forename: Jay A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Richard W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Metzler
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis; D060731:Emergency Responders; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000032:analysis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000592:standards; D016272:Occupational Health; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008694:Methamphetamine