Lead particulate filters are an essential safety item when heat gunning or sanding lead based paint. If you are unsure if your paint contains lead, then assume it has lead unless it has been properly tested to prove there is no lead present. If your project was painted prior to 1970 then there is a real possibility lead may be present.
The 3M Lead particulate filters should be installed as pairs onto the 3M face piece or onto the adapter plates if you have the solvent canisters installed as well. Those items are supplied separately, see below.
Please note that ordinary dust masks offer no protection from lead based paint as their filtering is not fine enough. You must use masks or filters rated for the job.
If heat gunning, we have found these filters have a long life. If you notice any restriction in breathing or any physical deterioration then replace them with a new pair.
We do not recommend that you should sand lead based paint because of the considerable area contamination. However if you do, these filters are likely to block up faster.
If you are chemical stripping your paintwork using the Coopers Restoration System and not heat gunning and not sanding, then there is no lead dust generated and the need for these filters is optional.
