Safety Emporium for all your lab and safety needs

Respirator

Glossary Index

Risk Phrases

MSDS Topics	Free Sites	FAQ's	Regulations	Glossary	Software	Suppliers
	Books	Forum	Poll	Fun stuff	Quiz	Store
Understand your MSDS with the MS-Demystifier				Search ALL our MSDS info

Respiratory System

Definition

• The respiratory system refers to the organs used in breathing such as the nose, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Your body uses this system to take in oxygen from the air and expel carbon dioxide.
• Respiration - is the act of inhaling and exhaling. In others words, breathing.

Additional Info

The term pulmonary is used to refer to processes or conditions involving the lungs. For example, pulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs.

MSDS Relevance

Exposure to certain chemicals can result in irritation or damage to the respiratory system. Always read the MSDS to determine the safe working limits (PEL and TWA values) and to see what kind of personal protective equipment (PPE) is suggested. Avoid exposure to dusts, fumes and vapors.

Respirators are pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that can help protect your respiratory system from exposure to hazardous chemicals. MSDS's may call for such PPE if appropriate engineering controls such as fume hoods are not available.

Further Reading

A drawing of the respiratory system at Kimball's Biology Pages. The American Lung Association OSHA's Respiratory Protection Advisor Home Page with all kinds of links, training, tips, information and more. OSHA's Respiratory Protection eTool. OSHA Publication 3079 - Respiratory Protection, a generic, non-exhaustive overview (280 Kb PDF file). 29 CFR 1910.134, OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard. See also: asthma, emphysema, respirator. Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Safety posters are a terrific way of reminding employees of proper procedure. Get yours at Safety Emporium.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.