Document Znj9EkLOd2EeGq4XEK7YzpLxO

REYNOLDS ALUMINUM flev-oics We'2 5 Co^ca^v R'Cn.-rc~c 'z-~ ?. 2225' April 9, 1986 NIOSH Attn: Ms. Nancy Bollinger Chief, Certification Branch 944. Chestnut Ridge Road Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-288 Gentlemen: REYNOLDS METALS COMPANY is a rather large user of disposable respirators. In the past, we initiated a comprehensive testing program of all respirators utilized in the protection against total particulates and coal tar pitch volatile materials. We collected a substantial amount of information on a number of 3M respirators and American Optical respirators. Now, however, the market is flooded with similar type equip ment, such as the Gerson 1710 and the Moldex 2200 dust and mist respirator. We have, also, recently reviewed information from the 3M Company regarding the protec tion efficiencies of a number of disposable respirators. Given the number of respirators of this type on the market today, it is impossible for us to test them as we have in the past. Therefore, we would like to obtain the technical information supporting the protection ef ficiencies of the Gerson 1710 and the Moldex 2200 respi rators. While there appears to be a substantial cost saving in using these two devices, we would not con sider changing the type of respiratory protection now offered to our employees, unless we could be assured of equal protection characteristics. Thank you very much for your assistance. Yours very truly, Tvf Homer M. Cole Director Industrial Hygiene HMC/m TX TINER RMC0022544