Best Honeywell North Cartridge for Welding Fumes: Buyer's Guide (2026)

Best Honeywell North Cartridge for Welding Fumes in 2026 — Short Answer

For most MIG, TIG, and stick welding on mild steel, the Honeywell North 7580P100 is the correct choice: it delivers true P100 (99.97% filtration efficiency) against metal oxide and metal fume particulate, fits the full 7500-series half-mask platform, and meets OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 and AWS Z49.1 requirements for manganese and hexavalent chromium applications. If your base metal carries coatings or you are cutting galvanized or stainless, step up to the 7581P100L (OV+P100) or 75SCP100L (multi-contaminant+P100). The full ranking and selection logic follow below.

Honeywell North cartridges for welding fumes sit within the brand's 7500-series bayonet platform — a system that spans pure particulate filters, combination OV+particulate cartridges, and multi-contaminant canisters. Selecting the wrong protection class is not a minor oversight: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252(c) and AWS Z49.1 mandate P100-class filtration for manganese fume (stainless steel), hexavalent chromium (chrome alloys, chrome-plated surfaces), and lead-paint preparation. An R95 or N95 filter does not meet that mandate. This guide maps each Honeywell North welding-fume cartridge to the specific hazard profile it addresses, explains the regulatory requirements, and gives you a clear decision tree. For a broader look at respirator filter selection, see our respirator cartridge selection guide and our best respirator for welding fumes hub.

Editorial Verdict — Best Honeywell North Cartridge for Welding Fumes Overall

The Honeywell North 7580P100 is the default answer for the majority of welding applications. It is a dedicated P100 particulate filter — the highest NIOSH particulate efficiency class — sized and bayonet-keyed for the full North 7500-series half-mask line. When base metals are uncoated mild or low-alloy steel and ventilation is adequate, no additional gas-phase protection is needed and the 7580P100 provides compliant, cost-effective coverage. Welders working on stainless, galvanized, or coated materials should upgrade to the 7581P100L or 75SCP100L as detailed below.

4 Best Honeywell North Cartridges for Welding Fumes — Full Ranking

1. Honeywell North 7580P100 — Best Overall for Welding Fumes (Metal Fume Particulate)

Class: P100  |  NIOSH Approval: TC-84A Series  |  Protection Type: Particulate only (oil-proof, 99.97% efficiency)

Honeywell North 7580P100 cartridges for welding fumes provide the highest NIOSH particulate class — P100 at 99.97% minimum filtration efficiency — in a compact bayonet form factor designed for the North 7500-series half-mask. Metal oxide fumes generated during MIG, TIG, and stick welding on carbon steel, low-alloy steel, and aluminum are solid and liquid aerosol particulates; the 7580P100 addresses that hazard directly without the added breathing resistance of a combination cartridge. Because these filters carry no activated carbon bed, they are lighter and offer lower inhalation resistance than OV+P100 combination units — an important factor for welders spending extended time under a respirator. The P100 rating is also the class required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 and AWS Z49.1 for manganese fume control and hexavalent chromium exposure, making this the minimum-compliant choice for those hazards. Browse the full Honeywell North filter line at our Honeywell North filters and cartridges collection.

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2. Honeywell North 7581P100L — Best for Thermal Cutting, Brazing, and Flux-Based Welding

Class: OV + P100  |  NIOSH Approval: TC-23C (OV) + TC-84A (P100)  |  Protection Type: Organic vapor + oil-proof particulate (99.97%)

Honeywell North 7581P100L OV+P100 combination cartridges for welding add a full organic vapor (OV) sorbent bed ahead of the P100 particulate layer, providing simultaneous protection against volatile organic compounds and metal fume particulate. This combination is the appropriate choice when welding or thermal cutting base metals that carry paint, primer, adhesive residue, or flux — scenarios where solvent vapors and aldehydes accompany the metal oxide fume stream. Brazing operations using silver-bearing or phosphor-bronze alloys generate both fine metal fume and flux decomposition products; the 7581P100L covers both hazard classes in a single cartridge change. The OV bed is based on activated carbon; like all sorbent cartridges, the organic vapor capacity is finite and cartridges should be changed on a schedule derived from an employer's cartridge change-out schedule (CCS) per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B). Compare the OV+P100 protection profile against the P100-only option in our organic vapor vs P100 guide.

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3. Honeywell North 75SCP100L — Best for Complex Welding Environments (Stainless, Galvanized, Coated)

Class: Multi-contaminant + P100  |  NIOSH Approval: TC-23C / TC-14G / TC-84A Series  |  Protection Type: OV + acid gas + P100 (99.97% particulate)

Honeywell North 75SCP100L multi-contaminant P100 cartridges provide the broadest gas-phase and particulate coverage in the 7500-series welding-fume lineup. Stainless steel welding generates hexavalent chromium particulate, nickel oxide fume, and — when flux-cored wire or shielding gas impurities are present — trace acid gas and nitrogen oxides. Galvanized steel welding releases zinc oxide fume alongside potential chlorine or hydrogen chloride from the galvanizing layer. Surfaces with epoxy or polyurethane coatings off-gas isocyanates and solvent vapors. The 75SCP100L addresses this complex hazard profile by combining an organic vapor sorbent bed, an acid gas (chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide) sorbent layer, and a P100 particulate filter in a single bayonet cartridge. It is the appropriate choice when a site-specific air monitoring program has not characterized the vapor hazard profile and the conservative approach is warranted. For a full comparison of the 75SCP100L against the cartridge-only 75SCL, see our Honeywell North cartridge guide. Also compare individual contaminant options including the 7583P100L (OV+AG+P100).

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4. Honeywell North 7506R95 — Budget Option for Low-Risk Welding (Short Duration, Clean Mild Steel)

Class: R95  |  NIOSH Approval: TC-84A Series  |  Protection Type: Particulate only (oil-resistant, 95% efficiency)

Honeywell North 7506R95 R95 prefilters for welding are the entry-level particulate option in the 7500-series lineup: 95% minimum efficiency, oil-resistant (not oil-proof), and rated for use with nuisance-level oil-mist environments. For short-duration welding tasks on clean mild steel in well-ventilated areas where engineering controls (local exhaust ventilation, fume extraction guns) provide the primary exposure reduction, the 7506R95 is a lower-cost alternative to P100. It is critical to understand the compliance boundary: the R95 does not meet the P100 requirement imposed by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 for manganese fume, hexavalent chromium, or lead-paint prep work. If any of those hazards are present, the 7580P100 is the minimum-compliant choice. See our P100 vs N95 comparison guide and our respirator filter types explained guide for a full breakdown of NIOSH efficiency classes. Also consider the 7506N95 if oil mist is not present in your environment.

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OSHA and NIOSH Regulatory Requirements for Welding Fume Respirators

Selecting a respirator cartridge for welding fumes is not discretionary when regulated air contaminants are present. The following OSHA standards and NIOSH approval categories govern the minimum acceptable protection level.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 — Welding, Cutting, and Brazing

OSHA's welding standard requires that respirator selection follow the hierarchy in 29 CFR 1910.134 when engineering controls are insufficient to reduce exposures below the permissible exposure limit (PEL). For manganese fume (PEL: 1 mg/m3 ceiling) and hexavalent chromium (PEL: 5 micrograms/m3 TWA under 29 CFR 1910.1026), OSHA specifies P100-class or higher filtration as the minimum when a supplied-air respirator is not used. The Honeywell North 7580P100 meets this requirement; the 7506R95 does not.

AWS Z49.1 — Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

The American Welding Society's Z49.1 standard — the industry consensus document referenced by OSHA — specifies that when local exhaust ventilation is unavailable or inadequate, a NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator with P100 filtration must be used for welding on metals that generate toxic metal fumes. AWS Z49.1 also recommends OV protection when welding on coated, plated, or painted surfaces, consistent with the 7581P100L selection criteria above.

NIOSH Particulate Efficiency Classes — What the Letters Mean

NIOSH certifies filter efficiency under three oil-resistance categories (N = not oil-resistant, R = oil-resistant, P = oil-proof) and three efficiency levels (95, 99, 100). For welding fume, the relevant classes are:

• P100 (99.97% efficiency): Required for Mn fume, Cr(VI), lead, and other OSHA-regulated metal fumes. Oil-proof — rated for environments with oil mist.
• R95 (95% efficiency, oil-resistant): Adequate for nuisance-level particulate welding fume where regulated metal fumes are absent. Not compliant for Mn, Cr(VI), or Pb applications.
• N95 (95% efficiency, not oil-resistant): Not appropriate for welding environments where metal cutting oils or quench mist may be present. See the 7506N95 for dry-particulate applications only.

For a deeper breakdown of NIOSH ratings, see our respirator filter types explained guide and the respirator cartridge color chart.

Honeywell North Welding Fume Cartridge Comparison Table

Honeywell North Welding Fume Cartridge by Application — Which to Use When

MIG Welding on Mild or Low-Alloy Steel

Standard MIG (GMAW) welding on uncoated mild steel produces iron oxide fume and manganese-bearing particulate — both solid-phase aerosols. The 7580P100 is the correct selection: P100 particulate-only filtration, no activated carbon bed adding breathing resistance, and full compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 and the manganese PEL. MIG welding produces CO as a shielding gas byproduct, but CO is not addressable by air-purifying respirators — ventilation or supplied air is required if CO builds to hazardous levels. The 7580P100 does not create a false sense of CO protection.

TIG Welding on Stainless Steel (Cr(VI) and Nickel Fume)

TIG (GTAW) welding on austenitic stainless steel generates hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and nickel oxide fume. Both are OSHA-regulated carcinogens with strict PELs: Cr(VI) at 5 micrograms/m3 (29 CFR 1910.1026) and nickel at 1 mg/m3 (OSHA Z-table). The 7580P100 is the minimum-compliant P100 selection for these solid-phase hazards. If flux-cored stainless wire or chlorinated cutting fluids are also present, step up to the 75SCP100L to address potential acid gas and OV co-hazards. Our best respirator for welding fumes guide covers full facepiece upgrade considerations for high-concentration Cr(VI) environments.

Welding or Cutting Galvanized Steel (Zinc Oxide Fume)

Galvanized steel welding generates zinc oxide fume — a primary cause of metal fume fever — along with potential hydrogen chloride and chlorine gas from the zinc coating. At minimum, P100 particulate protection via the 7580P100 is required. However, the acid gas component from the galvanizing chemistry makes the 75SCP100L the preferred selection for galvanized cutting or welding operations. Also consider 7582P100L depending on your specific acid gas characterization.

Brazing and Soldering (Silver, Phosphor-Bronze, Flux Decomposition)

Brazing operations with silver-bearing or phosphor-bronze alloys release fine metal fume alongside flux decomposition products including aldehydes, fluorides, and organic vapors depending on flux chemistry. The 7581P100L covers the OV and P100 hazard classes typical of silver brazing. If fluoride-bearing flux is confirmed, consult an industrial hygienist for a supplied-air or PAPR recommendation, as standard air-purifying OV cartridges have limited capacity against certain fluorine compounds.

Welding or Cutting Painted and Coated Surfaces

Painted or epoxy-coated steel — common in structural repair and shipyard welding — generates both metal fume and organic vapor from coating decomposition. Paints may contain lead (in pre-1978 structures) or isocyanate-based polyurethane hardeners. For lead paint prep and welding, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1025 mandates P100 protection at minimum. The 7581P100L (OV+P100) addresses the combined particulate and organic vapor hazard. For isocyanate-bearing polyurethane coatings, engineering controls and supplied-air respirators should be considered as the primary control measure, as the isocyanate IDLH is very low.

Stick (SMAW) Welding Outdoors and in Tight Spaces

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) produces higher fume volumes than GMAW or GTAW due to electrode flux coating decomposition. In outdoor or well-ventilated environments on uncoated mild steel, the 7580P100 is the appropriate P100 particulate choice. In tight spaces or confined areas where fume accumulation is a concern, engineering controls (supplied-air systems, local exhaust ventilation) take precedence over filter class upgrades. The air-purifying cartridges on this page are only appropriate when oxygen levels are confirmed adequate (19.5–23.5% by volume) — they cannot be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

What Are Welding Fumes? Understanding the Particulate and Gas Hazard Profile

Welding fumes are a complex mixture of metallic oxides, silicates, and fluorides formed when the base metal, filler wire, flux coatings, and shielding gases are heated to near or above vaporization temperature. The primary health hazard from welding fume is the sub-micron respirable particulate fraction, which penetrates the gas exchange region of the lung and — depending on metal composition — carries specific toxic or carcinogenic effects.

Key metal fume hazards by base metal:

• Carbon/mild steel: Iron oxide (nuisance), manganese (neurotoxin, OSHA PEL 0.2 mg/m3 TWA)
• Stainless steel: Hexavalent chromium (carcinogen, OSHA PEL 5 µg/m3 TWA), nickel oxide (carcinogen)
• Galvanized steel: Zinc oxide (metal fume fever), potential HCl/Cl2 from galvanizing layer
• Aluminum: Aluminum oxide (nuisance to moderate toxicity at high concentrations)
• Lead-containing alloys / lead paint: Lead fume (systemic toxin, OSHA PEL 50 µg/m3 TWA per 1910.1025)
• Coated/painted metals: Volatile organic compounds, isocyanates, aldehydes depending on coating type

The gas-phase hazards accompanying welding operations include ozone (from UV radiation), nitrogen oxides (from arc and air interaction), and carbon monoxide (from shielding gas chemistry). Air-purifying half-masks with the cartridges on this page do not protect against CO or ozone at welding concentrations — ventilation is the control for those gases. See our respirator filter types explained guide for a full taxonomy of air-purifying protection classes, and our cartridge color chart to decode NIOSH color-coding by protection type.

How to Choose a Honeywell North Welding Fume Cartridge — Decision Framework

Step 1: Identify Base Metal and Regulated Hazards

Start with the metal being welded. If the base metal, filler, or electrode contains manganese, hexavalent chromium, nickel, or lead in concentrations that can exceed OSHA PELs, P100 filtration is mandatory — eliminate the 7506R95 from consideration. For uncoated mild steel with well-controlled engineering controls, R95 may be acceptable if an industrial hygienist has confirmed exposure below action levels.

Step 2: Assess Gas-Phase Hazards from Coatings and Flux

Determine whether the base metal surface has coatings, primers, adhesive residue, or galvanizing. If so, an OV sorbent bed is required — move to the 7581P100L or 75SCP100L as the hazard profile dictates. For a conceptual comparison of OV vs P100 protection, see our organic vapor vs P100 guide. Reference the full Honeywell North cartridge spectrum — including the 7582P100L and 7583P100L — in our Honeywell North cartridge guide.

Step 3: Consider Ventilation and Exposure Duration

Filter class requirements do not change based on ventilation or task duration — if the hazard is present, the minimum protection class must be met regardless of how brief the task. What ventilation and duration affect is whether air-purifying respirators are appropriate at all: in confined spaces or enclosed environments with high fume concentrations, supplied-air respirators (SAR) or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) may be required. For tasks under 30 minutes on clean mild steel with active LEV (local exhaust ventilation) and no regulated metal fumes present, the 7506R95 can be a cost-effective choice within its regulatory scope.

Step 4: Establish a Cartridge Change-Out Schedule for Combination Cartridges

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B) requires employers to establish a cartridge change-out schedule for combination cartridges (OV and acid gas sorbent beds) based on objective information such as published ESLI (end-of-service-life indicator) data or cartridge service-life calculation software. Particulate-only P100 filters (7580P100, 7506R95) do not require a change-out schedule based on chemical capacity — they are replaced when breathing resistance increases or the filter is physically damaged. Compare Honeywell North's approach with 3M's platform in our 3M filter cartridge guide.

Frequently Asked Questions — Honeywell North Cartridges for Welding Fumes

Which Honeywell North cartridge is best for welding fumes overall?

The Honeywell North 7580P100 is the best overall choice for most welding fume applications. It delivers P100-class filtration (99.97% minimum efficiency) against metal oxide and metal fume particulate, meets OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 requirements for manganese and hexavalent chromium, and imposes less breathing resistance than combination OV+P100 cartridges. Step up to the 7581P100L or 75SCP100L when coatings, galvanizing, or flux introduce organic vapor or acid gas hazards.

Can I use an R95 cartridge for welding, or do I need P100?

R95 is acceptable for welding only if all regulated metal fumes (manganese, hexavalent chromium, lead, nickel) are confirmed below OSHA action levels, typically through air monitoring by an industrial hygienist. For stainless steel, galvanized steel, chrome alloys, or any application where manganese fume is generated in quantity, P100 is the minimum compliant class per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 and AWS Z49.1. The 7506R95 is appropriate only for low-risk, short-duration welding on clean mild steel with well-controlled ventilation and no regulated metal fume exposure.

Do I need organic vapor protection for welding fumes?

Organic vapor protection is needed when the base metal surface carries paint, primer, adhesive, galvanizing, or other organic coatings that off-gas volatile compounds when heated. For bare, uncoated mild or low-alloy steel, organic vapor is not the primary hazard and a P100-only cartridge (7580P100) is appropriate. For painted surfaces, primed structural steel, or galvanized steel, the 7581P100L (OV+P100) or 75SCP100L is the correct selection. See our organic vapor vs P100 guide for further explanation.

Is the 7580P100 sufficient for welding stainless steel?

The 7580P100 meets the P100 particulate requirement for hexavalent chromium and nickel fume from stainless steel welding. However, if flux-cored stainless wire, chlorinated cutting fluids, or coatings are present, the 7580P100 does not address the accompanying acid gas or OV hazards. In those scenarios, the 75SCP100L is the conservative and recommended choice for complex stainless steel environments.

How often should I replace Honeywell North welding fume cartridges?

Particulate-only P100 cartridges (7580P100) should be replaced when breathing resistance noticeably increases, when the filter is physically damaged or contaminated, or per your employer's written respiratory protection program schedule. Combination OV+P100 cartridges (7581P100L, 75SCP100L) require a change-out schedule based on chemical sorbent capacity as mandated by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B). Honeywell North publishes service-life data; your employer's industrial hygienist or safety officer should establish the CCS for your specific work environment and cartridge model.

What is the difference between the 7580P100 and 7581P100L?

The 7580P100 is a P100 particulate-only filter with no activated carbon or gas-phase sorbent. The 7581P100L adds an organic vapor sorbent bed ahead of the P100 particulate layer, addressing both metal fume particulate and volatile organic compound vapors in a single cartridge. The 7581P100L is larger, heavier, and has higher breathing resistance than the 7580P100, but provides the dual-protection needed for coated or flux-bearing workpieces.

What Honeywell North cartridge should I use for welding galvanized steel?

Galvanized steel welding generates zinc oxide fume (solid particulate) along with potential acid gas from the zinc coating chemistry. The 75SCP100L is the preferred choice for galvanized welding because it covers OV, acid gas (including hydrogen chloride and chlorine), and P100 particulate in a single cartridge. At minimum, the 7580P100 addresses the particulate fraction, but the acid gas component from the galvanizing layer warrants the multi-contaminant cartridge where feasible.

How do Honeywell North welding fume cartridges compare to 3M?

The Honeywell North 7500 series and 3M 6000/7000 series both use bayonet-style cartridge interfaces, but the two brands' cartridges are NOT cross-compatible — each brand's cartridges fit only their own half-mask platform. In protection class terms, the 7580P100 is equivalent to the 3M 2091 P100 or 3M 7093; the 7581P100L is equivalent to the 3M 60921. See our respirator cartridge selection guide for brand-agnostic selection criteria.

Is the 7506R95 OSHA-compliant for welding?

The 7506R95 is OSHA-compliant for welding applications where regulated metal fumes (manganese, hexavalent chromium, lead, nickel) are confirmed below OSHA action levels. It is not compliant for stainless steel, chrome alloy, galvanized steel, or lead-paint welding, where OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 mandates P100-class filtration. Do not use the 7506R95 for those applications without an industrial hygienist confirming exposure levels justify the lower protection class.

When should I use the 75SCP100L instead of the 7581P100L for welding?

Use the 75SCP100L when acid gas hazards (hydrogen chloride, chlorine, sulfur dioxide) are present alongside OV and particulate — this is the case for galvanized steel, certain flux-cored processes, and welding on surfaces treated with chlorinated solvents. The 7581P100L is appropriate when the hazard profile is OV + particulate only, without a confirmed acid gas component. When the vapor hazard is not fully characterized, the 75SCP100L is the conservative choice.

What respirator facepiece is compatible with 7500-series cartridges?

Honeywell North 7500-series cartridges — including the 7580P100, 7581P100L, 75SCP100L, and 7506R95 — all use the same bayonet attachment interface designed for the North 7500-series half-mask respirator (available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes). They are not compatible with 3M, MSA, or other brands' facepieces. See the full Honeywell North filters and cartridges collection for the complete 7500-series lineup.

Do welding cartridges protect against carbon monoxide from welding?

No. Carbon monoxide (CO) generated during welding operations is not addressed by any air-purifying cartridge on this page — or by any air-purifying half-mask respirator. Air-purifying respirators cannot be used in atmospheres that are IDLH or in oxygen-deficient conditions. CO control requires engineering controls (LEV, general ventilation), CO monitoring, and supplied-air respirators (SAR) or SCBA if CO levels are or may become hazardous. The cartridges in this guide address metal fume particulate and associated gas-phase contaminants, not inorganic gases such as CO.

What is the 7582P100L, and when is it used for welding?

The 7582P100L is an OV+P100+acid gas combination cartridge. It covers organic vapor, certain acid gases, and P100 particulate. It is relevant for welding environments where specific acid gas hazards (chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide) are present alongside OV and particulate. For most complex welding environments requiring this level of protection, the 75SCP100L is the broader multi-contaminant option; the 7582P100L is appropriate when a specific OV+AG+P100 combination has been specified by an industrial hygienist.

What color are Honeywell North P100 welding fume cartridges?

NIOSH mandates a color-coding system for filter cartridges. P100 particulate filters are coded magenta/purple per NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84. The 7580P100 follows this convention. Combination OV+P100 cartridges (7581P100L) combine the magenta P100 indicator with the black OV designation. See our respirator cartridge color chart for a complete NIOSH color-code reference.

What is the best cartridge for manganese fume from stick welding?

The Honeywell North 7580P100 is the correct P100 selection for manganese fume from stick (SMAW) welding on mild or low-alloy steel. Manganese fume is a solid particulate hazard; P100 filtration addresses it directly. OSHA's manganese PEL is 0.2 mg/m3 TWA (1910 Z-table, 2024 PEL update); the 7580P100 meets the P100 requirement established by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252 for this contaminant. Ensure the facepiece achieves an adequate fit factor through quantitative or qualitative fit testing per 29 CFR 1910.134(f).

Where can I find a complete guide to choosing Honeywell North respirator cartridges?

Our Honeywell North cartridge guide covers the complete 7500-series cartridge lineup across all hazard classes, with selection tables organized by contaminant type. The how to choose a respirator cartridge guide provides a brand-agnostic selection framework. For a comparison of Honeywell North versus 3M cartridges across the P100 particulate and OV+P100 classes, see our best respirator for welding fumes overview.

Can Honeywell North P100 cartridges be used for silica dust in welding prep work?

P100 cartridges are NIOSH-approved for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) — a solid particulate hazard. The 7580P100 at 99.97% efficiency exceeds OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1153 and 1910.1053 requirements for silica exposure control when used with appropriate fit testing. However, OSHA's silica standard requires a full written respiratory protection program, regular fit testing, and medical evaluation. For grinding, cutting, or surface preparation work that precedes welding and generates silica dust, P100 is the appropriate NIOSH class. See our best respirator for silica dust 2026 guide for silica-specific selection guidance.