Here’s a detailed introduction and comparison of the 3M 6000 Series gas and vapor cartridges, including models 6001, 60012, 6003, 6004, 6005, 6006, 6007, and 6057. These cartridges are designed for use with 3M half and full facepiece respirators.
🔹 Overview of the 3M 6000 Series Cartridges
- Compatibility: Fits 3M 6000, 6500, 7000, and FF-400 Series respirators.
- Standard: Approved by NIOSH for specific contaminants.
- Usage: Each cartridge is color-coded according to the contaminant it filters (NIOSH/OSHA color standards).
- Design: Lightweight, low-profile for improved field of vision.
🔹 Detailed Model Comparison
| Model | Protection Type | Color Code | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M 6001 | Organic Vapors | Black | Paint thinners, adhesives, solvent handling |
| 3M 60012 | Organic Vapors (Similar to 6001) | Black | Regional variant or packaging difference from 6001 |
| 3M 6003 | Organic Vapors + Acid Gases | Yellow | Labs, chemical processing, cleaning agents |
| 3M 6004 | Ammonia & Methylamine | Green | Agriculture, refrigeration, pharma |
| 3M 6005 | Formaldehyde & Organic Vapors | Olive | Lab work, medical disinfection, mortuaries |
| 3M 6006 | Multi-Gas/Vapor (OV, AG, Ammonia, Formaldehyde) | Olive | Broad protection in uncertain environments |
| 3M 6007 | Mercury Vapor/Chlorine Gas/OV/AG | Orange | Dental, mining, industrial mercury exposure |
| 3M 6057 | Organic Vapors + Acid Gases (EU standard) | Brown | Similar to 6003, used in EU markets under EN standards |
🔹 Model Highlights
🔸 3M 6001 (Organic Vapor Cartridge)
- Filters only organic vapors.
- Ideal for painting, cleaning, and general solvent exposure.
🔸 3M 60012
- Functionally equivalent to 6001; typically a regional or packaging variation (check with supplier).
🔸 3M 6003
- Dual protection: organic vapors and acid gases like chlorine, hydrogen chloride, and sulfur dioxide.
- Suitable for mixed-chemical environments.
🔸 3M 6004
- Targets ammonia and methylamine.
- Common in fertilizer manufacturing, refrigeration systems, and animal waste processing.
🔸 3M 6005
- Combines organic vapor protection with formaldehyde filtration.
- Use in mortuaries, hospitals, and laboratories.
🔸 3M 6006
- Multi-Gas Cartridge: Offers protection against organic vapors, acid gases, ammonia, formaldehyde, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, etc.
- Excellent for environments where exposure types are varied or unknown.
🔸 3M 6007
- Specialized for mercury vapor, chlorine, and acid gases.
- Includes a warning label for mercury end-of-service life indicator.
🔸 3M 6057
- European model (EN 14387) combining organic vapor and acid gas protection.
- Common in EU-regulated industries; similar to 6003 in function.
🔹 Choosing the Right Cartridge
| Environment | Recommended Cartridge |
|---|---|
| Painting/Solvents | 6001 / 60012 |
| Lab or Chemical Work | 6003 or 6006 |
| Agriculture/Refrigeration | 6004 |
| Disinfection/Formaldehyde | 6005 |
| Mixed Unknown Gases | 6006 |
| Mercury Handling | 6007 |
| EU Workplaces | 6057 |
