In industrial processes such as welding, cutting or grinding, airborne particles are generated—dusts, fumes and mists—which pose a real risk to health. The finer the particles are, the greater their ability to penetrate the body. Understanding the types of particles and their risks is the first step towards properly protecting workers.
PM10, PM2.5 and PM1: the three risk levels
Particles are classified according to their size into three categories, with very different effects on health:
- PM10 (<10 µm): penetrate into the lungs. They originate from traffic, road wear and combustion.
- PM2.5 (<2.5 µm): reach the pulmonary alveoli. More dangerous due to their ability to penetrate deeply.
- PM1 (<1 µm): the most dangerous. They cross the alveolar-capillary barrier, enter the bloodstream and can reach vital organs, including the brain.
When breathing, contaminated air carries these particles into the bronchi and bloodstream, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and severe respiratory problems. In welding environments, where PM1 particles predominate, the risk is at its highest.
Welding fumes: a confirmed carcinogen
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified welding fumes as carcinogenic to humans, associated with lung cancer and possibly kidney cancer. This includes fumes from mild steel welding.
Welding fume particles are classified as PM1. This means that any exposure, however minimal, requires appropriate respiratory protection. The risk also affects personnel working near the welding area.
How to protect yourself: hierarchy of controls
1. Engineering controls (first line of defence)
- Local exhaust ventilation (LEV): captures contaminants at the source.
- General ventilation: dilution of contaminated air with fresh air.
- Process enclosure: cabins that isolate particle generation points.
- HEPA filters: for HVAC systems and air recirculation systems.
2. Respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE)
- FFP2/FFP3 masks: for low or occasional exposures.
- Half masks and full-face masks: with interchangeable P1/P2/P3 filters.
- Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR): the optimal solution for welders and workers with high exposure.
Why are PAPRs the best choice for welders?
Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) combine three hard-to-match advantages:
- Maximum protection: P R SL type filters with > 99.99% efficiency. Nominal Protection Factor (NPF) of 500.
- High comfort: the powered blower supplies clean air without breathing effort, reducing fatigue and CO₂ concentration.
- Cost-efficient: the initial investment is paid back in less than a year compared to the continuous use of disposable masks.
A6 X1MAXI and A6 F1MAXI sets: Dacar’s solution
Dacar offers the new A6 X1MAXI and A6 F1MAXI sets, which combine the A6 blower unit with two high-end masks for professional welding.
PAPR A6
| Certification | CE EN12941 |
| Protection class | TH3 P R SL |
| Filter efficiency | >99,99% |
| Airflow rates | 3 levels: 170 / 200 / 230 L/min |
| Alarms | Audible, visual and vibration |
| Sound level | Max. 73 dB |
| Standard battery | 14,8V / 2,6Ah - >10h (170 l/min) |
| Heavy Duty battery | 14,8V / 5,2Ah - >20h (170 l/min) |
| Weight | 1,000 g (filter and standard battery) |
| Operating temperature | -5C a +55C |
| Motor warranty | 1 year |
Low-cost, high-performance PAPR system. TH3 certification (highest level), P R SL class. Belt with ergonomic harness, 3 airflow speeds (170/200/230 L/min) and audible, visual and vibration alarms. Battery with up to 10 hours of autonomy at minimum speed.
X1MAXI mask – Maximum field of view
Extra-large field of view of 116 x 81 mm. P33MAXI-AMS+ electronic filter with optical quality 1/1/1/1 (V1), 5 sensors, 0.04 ms switching time and grinding mode with external push button. Headgear with DRP for enhanced comfort.
F1MAXI mask – Total versatility: welding and grinding
Includes a flip-up window that allows switching between welding and grinding mode without lifting the mask, while maintaining positive air pressure at all times. Bluetooth remote control to adjust shade, sensitivity and delay.
