3M 8246 R95 Disposable Respirator Nuisance Level Acid Gas Relief

Short answer: The 3M 8246 is the correct disposable respirator when you're dealing with non-oil particulates and nuisance-level acid gas odors in the same environment — light industrial painting, certain soldering operations, or areas where low-level hydrogen chloride or sulfur dioxide may be present. If acid gas is a documented air contaminant at measurable concentrations, you need a cartridge respirator. If the only concern is incidental odor, the 8246 delivers dual-function protection in a simple disposable format.

R95 vs N95 vs P100 — Choosing the Right Protection Class

When the 8246 Is the Right Choice

• Light soldering or brazing where acid flux fumes produce occasional odor
• Battery manufacturing or handling with incidental sulfuric acid mist
• Nuisance-level acid odors in painting or coating environments
• Oil-mist environments that don't require P100 protection
• General light industrial work with mixed particulate and acid nuisance hazards

When You Need Something Else

• Regulated acid gas concentrations: Use a 3M 6002 or 6003 vapor cartridge on a half-mask respirator
• OSHA-regulated particulates (silica, lead, asbestos): Use a P100-rated respirator
• Oil-mist environments above nuisance level: Use P95 or P100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 8246 approved for acid gas environments?

No — the activated carbon layer in the 8246 provides nuisance-level odor relief only. It has no NIOSH rating for acid gas at any concentration. For documented acid gas hazards with air measurements, use a cartridge respirator with a 6002 (acid gas) or 6003 (OV+acid gas) cartridge.

What's the difference between the 8246 and the 8210?

The 3M 8210 is N95 (no oil tolerance, no acid gas relief). The 8246 is R95 (oil-resistant) and includes an activated carbon layer for nuisance acid gas odor. Choose the 8246 when oil aerosols or low-level acid fumes are part of the environment.

Can I reuse the 8246?

R95 disposable respirators can technically be reused within a single shift if not physically damaged or soiled, but 3M recommends discarding after each use. Follow your facility's respiratory protection program for specific reuse guidance.

Does the 8246 meet OSHA requirements for acid gas?

No. OSHA's respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires appropriate protection against documented air contaminants. The 8246's acid gas relief is nuisance-level only and does not satisfy OSHA's requirement for acid gas protection in environments where acid gas concentrations are measured or established.

What size box does the 8246 come in?

The 8246 is sold in boxes of 20 respirators. Each respirator is individually packaged.