Guides

Respiratory protection for acetone: type A is not enough

Against acetone a type A filter is not enough. Acetone boils at about 56 °C and is therefore below the limit of 65 °C. Gas filters of type A are not tested for such substances, AX filters are intended.

As of 6 October 2026, DS SafetyWear Arbeitsschutzprodukte GmbH

At a glance

Boiling point as a guide value from the GESTIS substance database. The safety data sheet (section 9) and the instructions for use of the filter are decisive.
SubstanceBoiling point (approx.)Filter typeAirGuard Pro filter
Acetone56 °CAX (not in the range)none in the range

Acetone: what matters

Acetone boils at about 56 °C and is therefore below the limit of 65 °C. Gas filters of type A are not tested for such substances, AX filters are intended. The AirGuard Pro range has no AX filter. If acetone is part of a thinner or cleaner, a type A filter does not cover that share.

Suitability by boiling point is explained in the guide Respiratory protection for solvents.

Mask and limits

Under DGUV Rule 112-190 the half mask AG360 is permitted up to 30 times the workplace exposure limit, the full-face mask AG700 up to 400 times. The workplace exposure limit of the substance is given in TRGS 900. The gas filter has its own limit as well: class 1 applies up to 0.1 vol.%, that is 1,000 ml/m³. The stricter value applies.

Highest permitted gas concentration per gas filter class under DGUV Rule 112-190.
ClassMaximumAirGuard Pro
Class 10.1 % by volume (1,000 ml/m³)AGA1E1, AGABEKK1, AGABEKK1P3 (bayonet)
Class 20.5 % by volume (5,000 ml/m³)AGA2E2, AGABEK2, AGABEK2P3 (RD40)
Class 31.0 % by volume (10,000 ml/m³)not in the range
  • Unknown concentration, incident, release: Without a known concentration there is no justified filter choice.
  • Oxygen not certain: Filters supply no oxygen, the instructions for use name at least 19.5 vol.%. In tanks, pits and confined spaces an isolating device is needed.
  • Filter replacement: Replace gas filters according to a fixed schedule, at the latest at odour, taste or irritation. See Changing filters.

How to proceed

  1. Read the safety data sheet: components (section 3), boiling point (section 9), workplace exposure limit (section 8).
  2. Determine type and class: The type depends on the substance, the class on the concentration.
  3. Risk assessment with the occupational safety specialist, see Respiratory protection duties.
  4. Check the face seal: a beard or sideburns prevent protection, see Face seal and beards.

If you know substance and concentration, the respirator finder leads to the matching combination. All substances at a glance: Substance directory.

Frequently asked questions

Which filter protects against acetone?

AX filters are intended for it, not type A. The AirGuard Pro range has no AX filter. Contact us or the occupational safety specialist.

Is an FFP mask enough against acetone?

No. FFP masks hold back only particles, no gases and vapours. You need a gas or combination filter.

Where do I find the limit value for acetone?

In TRGS 900 (workplace exposure limits) and in section 8 of the safety data sheet. More substance data is in the GESTIS substance database.

Sources

For purchasing and occupational safety

Not sure what suits your workplace?

Send us the activity and the substances per safety data sheet. We advise on selection and send samples for a wearing trial.

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