What's Special about Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Air-purifying Respirators?

The guidance recommended in this fact sheet will help respiratory protection program administrators, managers, and air-purifying respirator (APR) wearers understand the special features of a NIOSH-approved Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) APR. These types of respirators have unique performance, use limitations, and storage requirements compared to NIOSH-approved industrial APR. The respiratory protection program administrator should assure that CBRN APR manufacturer recommendations are addressed. This information may also be used by managers and APR wearers to optimize personal protection.