September 2005
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2005-125

Breakthrough 2004
Breakthrough is a software program for calculating the estimated breakthrough time for respirator filter cartridges. The breakthrough time is the time before the user of the respirator is exposed to the vapor of concern at a selected breakthrough concentration, as a result of the vapor breaking through the cartridge. The program is intended as a tool to help an industrial hygienist or other qualified person to set cartridge change-out schedules. It is not a replacement for regulatory requirements or professional judgments. Also, the current version of the program can only handle calculations related to a single organic vapor.
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