Diversified technology company 3M is delighted to announce the launch of its new speciality product, the 9922 FFP2 Particulate Respirator. The latest addition to 3M's comprehensive range of maintenance free respirators provides comfortable protection against fine dusts and oil and water-based mists. In addition, the 9922 provides relief from nuisance levels (nuisance level refers to airborne concentrations below the Workplace Exposure Limit) of organic vapours from solvents, degreasers and resins, as well as essential protection against respiratory hazards generated during welding, such as welding fume and ozone gas.*

The role of respirators in the workplace is crucial. The HSE estimates that each year between 1,500 and 3,000 people in Great Britain develop occupational asthma. This rises to 7,000 cases a year if asthma made worse by work (work-related asthma ) is included. The cost to society is estimated to be up to £1.1 billion over 10 years. Asthma can ruin lives - some sufferers become so disabled that they cannot work again.

Relevant workers need to be encouraged to wear respirators, so it is essential that they are comfortable to wear. The lightweight construction of the 9922 Respirator promotes greater comfort and contributes to increased wear time. This makes it ideal for applications and workplaces such as: woodworking, foundry operations, waste management, laboratories, agriculture, petrochemical manufacturing and welding, where particles and nuisance levels of organic vapours may be present.

Features and benefits of the new design include:

- A collapse resistant, robust shell and cup design, which conforms well to most face shapes and sizes.
- 3M Advanced Electret Filter Media, which gives consistent high filtering performance.
- 3M Cool Flow Valve, which allows effective removal of heat and moisture for a cooler, more comfortable wear and to reduce fogging of eyewear.
- Blue colour coded straps, which make the respirator's performance level easy to recognise as FFP2.
- A carbon layer, which provides protection against nuisance level odours and ozone gas.

3M is a trademark of 3M Company
*Provides up to 10 x WEL protection from ozone.

About 3M

3M - Practical and ingenious solutions that help customers succeed

3M is a $24.5 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M employs 76,200 people worldwide, producing thousands of innovative products for customers in dozens of diverse markets in some 200 countries. Its 45 technology platforms touch nearly every aspect of modern life - the company has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and its digital signage offerings are revolutionising the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 4000 people across 18 locations, including 12 manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, occupational health and environmental safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.

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