Respirators

Respiratory protection for welding, cutting and grinding - half-mask reusable respirators, P100 particulate respirators, and powered air purifying helmets.

Welding fume is a documented health risk

This is not a comfort item. Welding fume is a mixture of metal oxides fine enough to reach deep lung tissue, and the composition depends on what you are welding and what is on it.

Galvanised steel releases zinc oxide, which causes metal fume fever - the flu-like episode most welders experience at least once and dismiss.
Stainless releases hexavalent chromium, a recognised carcinogen with an exposure limit far lower than most shops assume.
Coated, painted or oily material produces whatever the coating decomposes into, which can be considerably worse than the metal.

Confined spaces multiply all of it.

Choosing

P100 particulate respirators filter 99.97% of particulates. The baseline for general welding fume. An exhalation valve makes a real difference to comfort over a shift, which decides whether it gets worn.
Half-mask reusable respirators take interchangeable cartridges, so the same mask covers particulates, organic vapour or acid gas depending on the job. Lower long-run cost and better sealing.
PAPR helmets deliver filtered air under positive pressure to a welding helmet. No breathing resistance, no face-seal fit problem, and they work with a beard - which a tight-fitting respirator does not. The right answer for sustained stainless work, confined spaces, and anyone who cannot get a seal.