Best Respirator Cartridge for Acid Gas (2026 Buyer's Guide)
Best Respirator Cartridge for Acid Gas: White-Coded Cartridges, Not P100 or Organic Vapor
Reviewed by WC Safety Editorial Team — Last updated: May 2026.
If you need the best respirator cartridge for acid gas, start with what "acid gas" means for cartridge selection. It's a NIOSH family that includes chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, chlorine dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride — inorganic gases that require a purpose-built acid-gas (white-coded) sorbent. A P100 filter (particulate only) and a plain organic-vapor cartridge (tuned for solvents) won't protect you. This guide breaks down the acid-gas cartridge types, compares the full 3M and Honeywell North lineups, and maps each specific gas — chlorine, SO₂, HCl, HF — to the right cartridge.
At a Glance: Best Acid Gas Cartridges
| Cartridge | Type | P100? | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M 60922 / North 7582P100L | Acid gas | Yes | Best all-around — acid gas + particulate |
| 3M 6002 / North N75002L | Acid gas | No | Budget — acid gas only, no particulate |
| 3M 60926 / North 75SCP100L | Multi-gas | Yes | Mixed/uncharacterized — acid gas + OV + more |
| 3M 6003 | OV + acid gas | No | Acid gas + organic solvents together |
| P100 filter alone | Particulate only | — | Does NOT protect against acid gas |
Quick Answer: Which Cartridge for Acid Gas?
Acid gas needs an acid-gas or multi-gas cartridge. Pick by platform and whether particulate is present:
- Acid gas + particulate (best all-around): 3M 60922 or North 7582P100L
- Acid gas only (budget): 3M 6002 or North N75002L
- Mixed / uncharacterized chemicals: 3M 60926 or North 75SCP100L
- Acid gas + solvents: 3M 6003 (OV+AG)
- Above IDLH / unknown: supplied air or SCBA — no cartridge is rated for it
3M and Honeywell North cartridges are not cross-compatible — match the cartridge to your respirator brand.
Why This Matters: "Acid gas" is a cartridge category, not a single chemical — chlorine, SO₂, HCl, ClO₂, and HF all fall under it. Choosing the white-coded acid-gas sorbent (or a multi-gas cartridge that includes it) is what protects you; an organic-vapor cartridge or a P100 filter does not. And every acid gas has its own IDLH — above it, no cartridge is enough. Start with how to choose a respirator cartridge if cartridge categories are new to you.
Acid Gas Cartridge Decision Guide
| Your Situation | What You Need | 3M | Honeywell North |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acid gas only, no particulate | Acid gas | 6002 | N75002L |
| Acid gas + dust / mist / fume | Acid gas + P100 | 60922 | 7582P100L |
| Acid gas + organic solvents | OV + acid gas | 6003 | 75SCL |
| Mixed / uncharacterized + particulate | Multi-gas + P100 | 60926 | 75SCP100L |
| Multi-gas, no particulate | Multi-gas | 6006 | 75SCL |
| Above IDLH / leak / unknown | Supplied air / SCBA | No cartridge is rated above the IDLH | |
What Is an Acid Gas? (Chlorine, SO₂, HCl, ClO₂, HF)
For respirator-cartridge selection, "acid gas" is a NIOSH category of inorganic gases that form acids in contact with moisture. The main members are:
- Chlorine (Cl₂) — water/wastewater disinfection, pool chemicals (IDLH 10 ppm)
- Hydrogen chloride (HCl) — hydrochloric/muriatic acid fumes, etching, metal treatment (IDLH 50 ppm)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) — combustion, smelting, food processing, refrigeration (IDLH 100 ppm)
- Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) — bleaching, sterilization, water treatment (IDLH 5 ppm)
- Hydrogen fluoride (HF) — etching, petroleum alkylation, semiconductors — especially dangerous, absorbs through skin (IDLH 30 ppm)
All are captured by acid-gas sorbent. A single acid-gas or multi-gas cartridge typically covers the whole family — but always confirm the exact gas list on the cartridge's current NIOSH approval, and treat HF and ClO₂ with extra caution given their low IDLH values.
What Color Is an Acid Gas Cartridge?
Acid-gas protection is coded white under ANSI/ISEA 110. Add a P100 particulate filter and a magenta band appears — so an acid-gas/P100 cartridge (3M 60922, North 7582P100L) shows white + magenta. Multi-gas cartridges that include acid gas carry several bands at once (for example organic vapor + acid gas). For the complete code, see our respirator cartridge color chart.
Does P100 Protect Against Acid Gas? (And Acid Gas vs OV vs Multi-Gas)
No — P100 does not protect against acid gas. P100 is a mechanical particulate filter; acid gases are gas-phase and pass straight through. A P100 combination cartridge protects against acid gas only because of its acid-gas sorbent layer. Here's how the three relevant cartridge families compare:
- Acid gas (AG): treated sorbent that neutralizes chlorine, HCl, SO₂, ClO₂, HF. The correct, focused choice for acid-gas-only work.
- Organic vapor (OV): activated carbon for solvent vapors — not approved for acid gases on its own. See Organic Vapor vs P100.
- Multi-gas: covers acid gases plus organic vapor, ammonia, and formaldehyde (3M 6006/60926, North 75SCL/75SCP100L) — broader coverage for mixed or unknown environments.
So: an OV cartridge is the wrong chemistry, a P100 is the wrong phase, and the right answer is acid-gas (or multi-gas) sorbent — with P100 added only when particulate is also present.
3M Acid Gas Cartridges (6002, 6003, 60922, 6006, 60926)
| Model | Coverage | P100 | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6002 | Acid gas | No | Acid-gas-only, budget — review |
| 6003 | OV + acid gas | No | Acid gas + solvents — review |
| 60922 | Acid gas + P100 | Yes | Acid gas + particulate |
| 6006 | Multi-gas (OV/AG/NH₃/HCHO) | No | Mixed gases — review |
| 60926 | Multi-gas + P100 | Yes | Mixed gases + particulate — review |
The 3M 6002 is the focused acid-gas pick; step up to the 60922 when particulate is present, or the multi-gas 6006/60926 for mixed hazards. All fit 3M 6000, 6500, and 7500 series respirators. See the full lineup in the 3M Filter & Cartridge Guide.
Honeywell North Acid Gas Cartridges (N75002L, 7582P100L, 75SCL, 75SCP100L)
| Model | Coverage | P100 | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| N75002L | Acid gas | No | Acid-gas-only, budget — review |
| 7582P100L | Acid gas + P100 | Yes | Acid gas + particulate — review |
| 75SCL | Multi-gas (low profile) | No | Mixed gases — review |
| 75SCP100L | Multi-contaminant + P100 | Yes | Mixed gases + particulate |
On Honeywell North respirators, the N75002L is the acid-gas pick and the 7582P100L adds P100. For broad coverage, the multi-contaminant 75SCP100L is the workhorse. The 7582P100L sits in North's P100 cartridge family — compare it in our 7581 vs 7582 vs 7583 P100 guide.
3M vs Honeywell North Acid Gas Cartridges
3M and Honeywell North cartridges are not cross-compatible — each uses its own bayonet mount — so your respirator brand decides the line. This table maps the equivalents by protection type:
| Protection | 3M | Honeywell North |
|---|---|---|
| Acid gas only | 6002 | N75002L |
| Acid gas + P100 | 60922 | 7582P100L |
| Multi-gas (no P100) | 6006 | 75SCL |
| Multi-gas + P100 | 60926 | 75SCP100L |
Within a protection class the two brands are functional equivalents — the 3M 6002 and North N75002L do the same job, as do the 3M 60922 and North 7582P100L. Buy whichever matches the respirator you already own.
Best Cartridge by Acid Gas: Chlorine, SO₂, HCl & HF
All acid-gas and multi-gas cartridges above cover the whole acid-gas family, but here's the quick map by specific gas:
- Chlorine (Cl₂): acid-gas or multi-gas cartridge — full breakdown in our best respirator cartridge for chlorine guide (water treatment, pools, IDLH 10 ppm).
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂): acid gas — 3M 6002/60922 or North N75002L/7582P100L. Sharp odor gives some warning, but still set a change schedule (IDLH 100 ppm).
- Hydrogen chloride (HCl) / muriatic acid fumes: acid gas — add P100 (60922 / 7582P100L) if acid mist is present (IDLH 50 ppm).
- Hydrogen fluoride (HF): acid gas — use full-face plus skin protection because HF is absorbed through skin and is acutely toxic (IDLH 30 ppm). Verify the cartridge's NIOSH approval lists HF.
Acid Gas Cartridge Change Schedule & OSHA Requirements
Acid-gas cartridges saturate over time and must be replaced on a written change schedule under OSHA 1910.134(d)(3). Warning properties vary — SO₂ and HCl are irritating, while others give poor warning — so they are not reliable for timing replacement. Base it on documented exposure data or an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) where available, and replace immediately at any odor, taste, or irritation through the mask.
Cartridges are valid only below each gas's IDLH and within the respirator's protection factor (half-mask 10, full-face 50). Above the IDLH or at unknown concentration, use supplied air or SCBA per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. For service-life methodology, see how long do respirator cartridges last.
Shop: Acid Gas Respirator Cartridges
Top acid-gas picks by platform. Amazon links are affiliate links (tag: wcsafety04-20).
Best for: acid gas with dust, mist, or fume on 3M respirators
Acid-gas sorbent plus 99.97% P100 in one cartridge. Covers chlorine, HCl, SO₂, ClO₂, HF + particulate. Fits 3M 6000, 6500, 7500 series.
Check Price on Amazon →Best for: budget acid-gas-only work on 3M respirators
Dedicated white-coded acid-gas cartridge for chlorine and related gases. Read the 3M 6002 review.
Check Price on Amazon →Honeywell North 7582P100L — Acid Gas + P100
Best for: acid gas + particulate on Honeywell North respirators
The North equivalent of the 3M 60922 — acid-gas sorbent plus P100. North bayonet mount. Read the 7582P100L review.
Check Price on Amazon →Honeywell North N75002L — Acid Gas
Best for: budget acid-gas-only work on Honeywell North respirators
North's acid-gas cartridge — the equivalent of the 3M 6002. Read the N75002L review.
Check Price on Amazon →Browse: Acid-Gas Cartridges • Multi-Gas Cartridges • Combination Cartridges • 3M Filters & Cartridges • Honeywell North Cartridges
Frequently Asked Questions
What respirator cartridge protects against acid gas?
An acid-gas (AG) or multi-gas cartridge NIOSH-approved for acid gases — chlorine, HCl, SO₂, ClO₂, HF. Common choices: 3M 6002 (AG), 3M 60922 (AG + P100), 3M 6006/60926 (multi-gas), Honeywell North N75002L, 7582P100L, 75SCL, and 75SCP100L. A P100 or plain OV cartridge does not protect against acid gas.
What color is an acid gas cartridge?
White, under the ANSI/ISEA 110 color code. With a P100 filter added, a magenta band appears too — so an acid-gas/P100 cartridge shows white + magenta. Multi-gas cartridges carry multiple bands. See our color chart.
Does P100 protect against acid gas?
No. P100 captures particles only — acid gases pass straight through. You need acid-gas or multi-gas sorbent. A P100 combination cartridge protects against acid gas only because of its acid-gas layer; the P100 just adds particulate protection.
What cartridge protects against chlorine gas?
Chlorine is an acid gas, covered by acid-gas or multi-gas cartridges (3M 6002/60926, North 75SCP100L). See our dedicated best respirator cartridge for chlorine guide. Confirm levels are below the 10 ppm IDLH; above that, use supplied air or SCBA.
What cartridge protects against sulfur dioxide?
SO₂ is an acid gas, covered by acid-gas and multi-gas cartridges (3M 6002/60922, North N75002L/7582P100L). It has a sharp odor that gives some warning, but a written change schedule is still required. The SO₂ IDLH is 100 ppm.
What cartridge protects against hydrogen chloride?
HCl — including muriatic acid fumes — is an acid gas. Use an acid-gas or multi-gas cartridge (3M 6002/60922, North N75002L/7582P100L). Add P100 (60922 / 7582P100L) if acid mist or particulate is present. The HCl IDLH is 50 ppm.
What cartridge protects against hydrogen fluoride?
HF is an acid gas covered by acid-gas and multi-gas cartridges. HF is acutely toxic and absorbs through skin, so use full-face protection, skin protection, and careful exposure assessment. Confirm the cartridge's NIOSH approval lists HF. The HF IDLH is 30 ppm.
What is the difference between the 3M 6002 and 6006?
The 6002 is acid-gas only (chlorine, HCl, SO₂, ClO₂, HF). The 6006 is multi-gas — it adds organic vapor, ammonia/methylamine, and formaldehyde on top. Choose the 6002 for acid-gas-only work at lower cost; choose the 6006 for mixed or uncharacterized chemical environments.
What is the difference between the North N75002L and 7582P100L?
Both are North acid-gas cartridges. The N75002L is acid gas only; the 7582P100L adds an integrated P100 filter for dust, mist, and fume. Choose the N75002L for gas-only environments and the 7582P100L when particulate is also present.
3M 6002 vs North N75002L — which is better?
They're functional equivalents — both acid-gas-only cartridges for the same gas family. The deciding factor is your respirator brand, since 3M and North use different, non-interchangeable mounts. Use the 6002 on 3M respirators and the N75002L on North respirators.
3M 60926 vs North 7582P100L — what's the difference?
Both add P100, but their gas scope differs. The North 7582P100L is acid gas + P100. The 3M 60926 is broader multi-gas + P100 (acid gas plus OV, ammonia, formaldehyde). The closer North equivalent to the 60926 is the 75SCP100L. Pick acid-gas + P100 for acid-only work, or multi-gas + P100 for mixed hazards.
Acid gas cartridge vs organic vapor cartridge — what's the difference?
Different sorbent chemistry. OV cartridges use activated carbon for solvent vapors; acid-gas cartridges use treated sorbent that neutralizes inorganic acid gases. An OV-only cartridge isn't approved for acid gas, and an acid-gas-only cartridge isn't for solvents. Combination (3M 6003) and multi-gas (6006/60926) cartridges cover both.
When should acid gas cartridges be replaced?
On a written change schedule under OSHA 1910.134(d)(3) — warning properties vary by gas and aren't reliable for timing. Use documented exposure data or an ESLI, and replace immediately at any odor, taste, or irritation through the mask. See how long cartridges last.
Do I need P100 with an acid gas cartridge?
Only if particulate is also present. For acid gas plus dust, mist, or fume, choose an acid-gas/P100 (3M 60922, North 7582P100L) or multi-gas/P100 (60926, 75SCP100L). For pure acid-gas exposure, an acid-gas-only cartridge (6002, N75002L) is enough.
Can acid gas cartridges be used above the IDLH?
No. Cartridges are only for known concentrations below the IDLH and within the respirator's protection factor. Above the IDLH, in oxygen-deficient air, or at unknown concentration, OSHA requires supplied air or SCBA. Example IDLHs: chlorine 10 ppm, SO₂ 100 ppm, HCl 50 ppm, HF 30 ppm.
Half mask or full face respirator for acid gas?
Full-face is generally preferred — acid gases are strong eye and mucous-membrane irritants, and full-face gives a higher protection factor (50 vs 10). A half mask with an acid-gas cartridge plus sealed goggles can suit brief, low-level tasks. Above the IDLH, use supplied air or SCBA regardless.
Respirator Selection by Hazard
Acid gas is one family in a larger cartridge-selection map. Match your specific hazard:
- Acid Gas — chlorine / SO₂ / HCl / HF (this guide)
- Chlorine — the most common acid gas
- Ammonia — separate sorbent (not acid gas)
- Formaldehyde — formaldehyde cartridge
- Epoxy Resin — organic vapor / OV+P100
- Pesticides — OV/P100
- Mold Remediation — P100 particulate
Related Guides & Reviews
- How to Choose a Respirator Cartridge
- Organic Vapor vs P100
- Respirator Cartridge Color Chart
- Best Respirator Cartridge for Chlorine
- Honeywell North 7581 vs 7582 vs 7583 P100
- 3M Filter & Cartridge Guide
- 3M 6002 Acid Gas Cartridge Review
- 3M 60926 Review
- Honeywell North N75002L Review
- Honeywell North 7582P100L Review
- How Long Do Respirator Cartridges Last?
- Shop Acid-Gas Cartridges
- Shop Multi-Gas Cartridges
Why Trust WC Safety?
WC Safety is a dedicated safety equipment retailer with deep expertise in respiratory protection, NIOSH cartridge approvals, and OSHA 1910.134 compliance. We stock the full 3M and Honeywell North acid-gas and multi-gas cartridge lines and reference manufacturer documentation, NIOSH approval data, and OSHA/NIOSH exposure data in all editorial content. We accept no manufacturer payments — recommendations are based on hazard matching and regulatory compliance.
Methodology
Cartridge approvals and gas-coverage lists are sourced from 3M and Honeywell North technical documentation and the NIOSH Certified Equipment List. Acid-gas exposure limits (IDLH values) reference the NIOSH Pocket Guide and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000. Color coding follows ANSI/ISEA 110. Always verify the current NIOSH approval for the specific cartridge and confirm respirator selection against a documented workplace hazard assessment.
Disclosures & editorial standards
WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links on this page are affiliate links — we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Acid gases are hazardous; respiratory protection must be based on a documented workplace hazard assessment and air monitoring under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, including fit testing. Above the IDLH, only supplied-air or SCBA is acceptable. Consult a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) for site-specific program development.
WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links on this page are affiliate links — we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Acid gases are hazardous; respiratory protection must be based on a documented workplace hazard assessment and air monitoring under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, including fit testing. Above the IDLH, only supplied-air or SCBA is acceptable. Consult a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) for site-specific program development.