Reference

Every respirator cartridge carries a label that tells you what it protects against, whether it is certified, and when to discard it - if you can read it. This guide decodes the cartridge color bands (ANSI K13.1 / 42 CFR 84.193), the OV, AG, and P100 designations, the NIOSH TC approval number, and the ESLI and expiration date markings clearly explained.

Respirator cartridge colors follow ANSI K13.1 (required by 42 CFR 84.193): black = organic vapor, white = acid gas, magenta = P100 HEPA. This guide decodes all ten color classes, combination cartridge color bands, brand-by-brand model number mapping for 3M, Honeywell North, and Moldex, and what the colors do not tell you about a.