Pesticide and Chemical Protection

Applying pesticide powders and sprays puts fine particles in the air that require a good filter to be captured.

Cartridge – The replaceable primary filter of your respirator. These are often sold in packs or two so that you can replace both at the same time. The cartridges we’re concerned with catch chemicals, while pre-filters catch the rest.

Pre-filter – Used in cartridge systems, pre-filters are replaceable and capture large particulates. They are especially important here because they trap liquids often present in pesticides.

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	3M Disposable	Safety Works	3M Professional
NIOSH Rating	P100	R95	P95
Pesticide Rated	No	Yes	Yes
Pre-Filter	None	Yes	Yes
Filter	Unspecified	Carbon	Organic Vapor
Seal	Foam	Rubber	Silicone
Lifespan	Disposable	>8 Hours	>20 Hours
Relative Cost	$	$$	$$$
Rating	72 / 100	80 / 100	98 / 100
Current Price	View	View	View

You get what you pay for.

Follow manufacturer instructions and don’t use respirators that are past their useful lifespans.

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• NIOSH Rating: P100
• Perfect National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) rating (OV/R100)
• Disposable
• Does not have pre-filter
• Most affordable respirator but not reusable

3M’s Disposable Cup Respirator is disposable and convenient.

It is very different from the “cheap” mask that you’d expect when buying a disposable mask.

The filter on its front is the key difference. You need a filter that will capture superfine powders and aerosolized oils. The filter on this mask does exactly that.

That’s a great deal on any budget.

It isn’t perfect though. This 3M doesn’t include a pre-filter which would trap large particles. A pre-filter captures large particles so that the primary filter only deals with fine particles.

Pre-filters are especially important when discussing sprays as they trap liquid particles.

Pre-filters also help respirators last longer – not much of an issue given that this one is disposable.

This respirator’s foam molding is also not perfect and does not always create a perfect seal.

This mask is not specifically rated to protect you from pesticides, but it will do a good job at a great price.

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• NIOSH Rating: R95
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health approved (NIOSH, OV/R95)
• Activated carbon cartridges
• Replaceable large surface area pre-filters
• Replaceable cartridges
• 8-hour or longer lifespan per cartridge
• Rated explicitly for pesticides and paint
• Flexible mask molds to fit face

It features replaceable pre-filters and cartridges rated at R95 by NIOSH. An R95 rating indicates that the filter captures 95% of airborne particles but is only somewhat resistant to oil.

Each cartridge will last at least 8 hours. The flexible mask molds to your face well and creates an airtight seal.

The MSA pesticide respirator is the most affordable reusable respirator on the list.

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• NIOSH Rating: R95
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health approved (NIOSH, OV/R95)
• Organic vapor cartridges (higher filtration than carbon)
• 20 – 40 hour lifespan per cartridge
• Rated for oil and pesticides specifically
• Flexible “advanced” silicone molding for comfort and durability
• Meant for workplace and professional settings

A NIOSH rating of P95 indicates that the filter captures 95% of airborne particles. It also tells you that the filter has a strong resistance against oils.

Its organic vapor cartridge capture even more than carbon cartridges.

When it comes to oil-based sprays like the popular JT Eaton Kills Bed Bugs, lesser filters will have you inhaling some pesticide-laced oil.

Once you start looking at the ingredients of sprays, it becomes clear that oils are common. This respirator is the clear choice if it is within your budget.

The 3M pro is a mask that professional pest control operators would rely on any day of the week.

Bed bug treatment is conducted indoors. There is no way to avoid inhaling pesticides for extended periods of time without a respirator.

It’s a good idea to wear a respirator when painting, woodworking, or cleaning with chemicals. You can use the same respirator for years.

Rest assured knowing that we’ve only recommended products that actually work. Even the most affordable respirator will make a huge difference.

Wear gloves when applying sprays and pesticide-infused powders. Even natural products like CimeXa and DE can irritate the skin.

You don’t need anything too fancy. The most expensive option here is actually a box of disposable gloves. They have plenty of uses outside of handling pesticides.
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	Liberty Industrial	FDA Approved	ThxToms Heavy Duty
Material	Nitrile	Nitrile	Neoprene Latex
Lining	Unlined, Powderless	Flock Lined	Unlined, powderless
Lifespan	Disposable	Medium	Long
Relative Cost	$$	$	$$
Rating	80 / 100	82 / 100	88 / 100
Current Price	View	View	View

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• Disposable, industrial-grade
• Nitrile gloves
• Powder-free
• Textured finish

These powder-free industrial-grade nitrile gloves are perfect for the job. They can be used for anything that requires gloves.

Unlike latex gloves, your hands won’t have the moisture sucked out of them by powdered linings.

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• Liquid resistant
• FDA Compliant
• Nitrile coated
• Flock Lined

Coming with 3 pairs of gloves, these are professional grade. They are nitrile coated and extend well beyond your wrist for complete coverage. That extra length protects you from accidental splashes.

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• High-grade heavy duty latex exterior
• Reusable
• Resists acids, oils, grease, and more
• Generously large and long for comfort

The heavy-duty option – pick these up if you’re serious about not letting a drop of chemicals touch you.

You can use these for years doing anything disposable gloves could do. Never worry about tearing or replacements again.

Eyes are sensitive and allow chemicals to enter your bloodstream when left exposed.

Goggles that do a great job are not expensive – there’s no reason not get a pair.

The goggles below are rated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). They are all appropriate for use around chemicals.
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	3M	TR Industrial	Uvex
Glasses	Conflict	Conflict	No Problem!
Treatment	None	Anti-Fog	Anti-Fog, Anti-Scratch
Frame	Rubber	PVC	Elastomer
Ventilation	Direct	Direct	Indirect
Relative Cost	$	$$	$$
Rating	70 / 100	81 / 100	100 / 100
Current Price	View	View	View

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• Vents may let some particulates in
• Will likely fog
• Cannot be worn with glasses
• American National Standards Institute approved (ANSI Z87)

3M’s generic chemical goggles are what you used in 6th-grade science.

They will do the job better than glasses or no protection at all. They are not airtight and aren’t exactly comfortable, stable, or otherwise amazing.

They are a great budget option. For a few dollars more you can have something much more comfortable and usable.

The biggest issue is the presence of vents, which lets some particulates in.

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• PVC frame is soft and forms protective seal
• Ventilation may let some particulates in
• Anti-fog treated
• Cannot be worn with glasses
• American National Standards Institute approved (ANSI Z87)

TR’s wide-vision goggles are a step up from 3M’s generic pair.

They are treated with an anti-fog coating. This makes a big difference because it allows their ventilation holes to be narrower.

The PVC frame that molds to your face will keep the seal nice and flush but comfortable.

You cannot wear glasses beneath this pair of goggles.

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• Soft elastomer frame forms protective seal
• Indirect ventilation keeps particulates out
• Duo-coated anti-fog and anti-scratch treated
• Can be worn with glasses
• Snap-on lens replacements with multiple tints
• Lifetime frame warranty
• American National Standards Institute approved (ANSI Z87)

The price difference between these and the TRs is small. We recommend choosing this pair.

These goggles will fit over your glasses. They are coated with an anti-fogging substance and have received an anti-scratching treatment.

As the only company offering a lifetime warranty, Uvex is making a statement. They are confident in their product.

The goggles also include sets of protective snap-on lenses useful for a variety of jobs.

Uvex goggles offer the best safety and comfort for the job at a good price.

No matter what you choose, some protection is infinitely better than none at all.

A good respirator is always a good idea. Even if it seems overqualified, a quality respirator will protect you from anything you end up using.

Goggles protect your vision for a few dollars. Bed bug powders are abrasive by design. Stopping the stuff from getting in your eyes is worth the small investment. Goggles are not as quite as necessary as a respirator.

While gloves may be at the bottom of the list, they are cheap enough that it doesn’t make sense not to recommend them. They will prevent any irritation you might experience handling chemical pesticides. You don’t need to buy new gloves. If you have gloves at home, use them.