Hey guys,. I'm thinking of getting a respirator to save myself from the strong solvent/paint fumes, but I rarely get a chance to work on my models...

I was wondering if the filter cartridges "go bad" if they just sat there unused, if so how long do they last before I should purchase a new set?

Thanks,

I don't thinkl they do..... The one in the store aren't sealed in a air / moisture tight package. it's a normal Cardboard & plastic Bubble........ Trust me you'll notice when they need to be changed.....

Hi there.. hows it going.. I use a painters respirator also when i'm airbrushing and it is a good investment as it can save you those "chemical headaches"

I've been told by friends of mine who were painters at the last job I worked.. to change the filters when

1) breathing got noticeably more difficut..

2) when you could smell the fumes of what you were working with

and

3) the recomended schedule the maker recommends in the instructions..



good luck

Just to add to Delbert's above post,A respirator should be placed in a resealable,air/moisture proof storage bag when not being worn.It helps the longevity of the filter cartridges and helps keep the mask from being damaged.In fact,respirators in the workplace left out of their bag when not worn are subject to fines of $1000 by OSHA if found by inspectors.
cheers!

Thanks for the feedback guys, I guess I'll be pick one up on my next trip out to to the store.

another addition to the above post,

if you're not using it for a long time, remove the cartridges from the face piece and put them in separate bag.

I use 3M respirators, and i store the cartridges in the original paper bag.