NIOSH updates ‘MultiVapor’ respirator cartridge tool

Washington – NIOSH has revised its MultiVapor tool for estimating the service life of air-purifying respirator cartridges.

This version of MultiVapor includes 66 new compounds and replaces the previous version, which expired on Dec. 31, 2009. According to NIOSH, the parameters of three commonly used cartridges were averaged to more accurately represent popular cartridges.

The tool also estimates the time it takes for the user to be exposed to toxic vapor after the first use of an air-purifying respirator cartridge, known as “breakthrough time.”

MultiVapor was developed to assist industrial hygienists and others to schedule “change-out” for a cartridge. The resource is not intended to replace regulatory requirements or “professional judgments,” NIOSH cautions. It offers estimates based on the most recent scientific data. The accuracy of estimates will depend on the precision and legitimacy of the information entered by the user, the agency notes.

The tool is available on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems. NIOSH supplies installation directions and offers tutorials.