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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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From:
John Sallay <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 9 Oct 2017 11:19:17 -0400
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Yes, I am using a 3M full facepiece mask with cartridges that are appropriate for both oxalic acid an formic acid, detailed below. The total cost on Amazon is about $135 plus sales tax and shipping (if you are not a Prime member).

I had been using a half facepiece 3M mask and plastic goggles, but recently swapped it out for a full facepiece model. During the early summer, I was getting a little bit of formic acid vapors in the goggles when using MAQS. The one I bought is the 3M Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator model 6800 (medium size; small is the 6700 and large is the 6900). It is more expensive than the half facepiece model and separate goggles, but works much better (even though it makes you look like you’re going to check bees in Chernobyl). See https://www.amazon.com/3M-Respirator-6800-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B007JZ1LG6/ref=pd_sbs_121_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B007JZ1LG6&pd_rd_r=P3FA2Y07NZ2JHH3MR131&pd_rd_w=xmcNt&pd_rd_wg=Lr7FM&psc=1&refRID=P3FA2Y07NZ2JHH3MR131 

The mask requires cartridges, which are sold separately since 3M produces MANY different types of cartridges, for all sorts of situations. I called 3M and, for beekeepers, they recommended using the mask for both formic and oxalic acid with the 60926 “Multi-Gas/Vapor/P100”. They said that the 60923 “Organic Vapor/Acid Gas/P100” is the one to use if you wanted it for oxalic acid only. See https://www.amazon.com/3M-Cartridge-60926-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B00TO64THG/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1507236173&sr=1-1&keywords=3m+60926 and https://www.amazon.com/3M-60923-Combo-Cartridge-Respirator/dp/B000BL5IE6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1507236204&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=3m+60923&psc=1 

The beekeeping equipment suppliers seem to be catching up with the market need. For example, Betterbee offers a half facepiece 3M model with filters included https://www.betterbee.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=0BE54AA50207499AB8DC8C7D6D7D527A though I would still go with the full facepiece set-up, even though it costs more.

The respirator cartridges can be reused, potentially several times, but 3M does not specify how many times. Since the cartridge acts like a sponge, it depends on the concentrations of exposure, temperature, and other factors. However, you know when you need to replace the cartridges when you either smell/taste the acidic gas while you are using the mask, or the cartridge is clogged with particulates and you can no longer breathe through the mask properly.

For storage of these cartridges in between uses, remove the cartridges from the mask and store them in a sealed Ziploc type bag.

John

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