The 3M™ Formaldehyde/Organic Vapor Cartridge 6005 is NIOSH-approved for protection against formaldehyde and certain organic vapors. It is color-coded olive per NIOSH coding and uses a bayonet-style connection compatible with 3M™ 6000, 6500, and 7500 series half-facepieces and 6000 series full-facepieces. Sold as a 1-pair (2 cartridges) pack. Typical applications include embalming, histology laboratories, furniture manufacturing, textile treatment, and healthcare settings where formaldehyde is a recognized hazard. Standard OV cartridges such as the 6001 are not rated for formaldehyde. The 6005 does not protect against acid gases or particulates without an added prefilter. For workplace and occupational use only.
What hazards does the 3M 6005 protect against?
The 6005 is NIOSH-approved for protection against formaldehyde and organic vapors. It is specifically formulated to adsorb formaldehyde, a gas that requires specialized sorbent media beyond what standard organic vapor cartridges like the 6001 provide. It is used in embalming, histology, laboratory, healthcare, and industrial settings where formaldehyde exposure is a concern.
Can I use the 6001 instead of the 6005 for formaldehyde?
No. Standard organic vapor cartridges like the 6001 are not rated for formaldehyde protection. Formaldehyde has different adsorption characteristics and requires a cartridge specifically tested and approved for it, such as the 6005. Using a 6001 in a formaldehyde environment would not provide adequate protection.
Which 3M respirators fit the 6005?
The 6005 uses the bayonet-style connection shared by all 3M 6000 series cartridges and fits 3M™ 6000, 6500, and 7500 series half-facepieces, 6000 and FF-400 series full-facepieces, and 7800 and 7800S series facepieces. It also fits 3M™ Scott™ AV-3000 HT and AV-3000 SureSeal with the AV-632 adapter.
When should I replace the 6005 formaldehyde cartridge?
Replace according to a documented change-out schedule. Formaldehyde has a pungent, detectable odor at relatively low concentrations, but never rely on smell alone to judge cartridge saturation. Use 3M's Service Life Software (3M.com/sls) to estimate change-out intervals based on concentration, humidity, and work duration. Replace immediately upon detection of any odor or irritation.
Does the 6005 protect against particulates in addition to formaldehyde?
No. The 6005 is a gas/vapor cartridge and does not filter particulates on its own. To add particulate protection, attach a 5P71 P95 prefilter using the 3M™ Filter Retainer 501. This combination is commonly used in histology and woodworking applications where both formaldehyde vapors and wood dust are present.
Is the 6005 suitable for funeral home and embalming use?
Yes. The 6005 is the primary 3M cartridge recommended for embalming and funeral service applications where formaldehyde is the main respiratory hazard. It should be used with a properly fit-tested respirator facepiece and as part of a written respiratory protection program that meets OSHA formaldehyde standards (29 CFR 1910.1048).
# 3M™ Respirator Cartridge 6005, 1 Pair, Formaldehyde/Organic Vapor **Model:** `6005` **Brand:** 3M **Category:** Respirator Filter > The 3M™ Formaldehyde/Organic Vapor Cartridge 6005 is NIOSH-approved for protection against formaldehyde and certain organic vapors. It is color-coded olive per NIOSH coding and uses a bayonet-style connection compatible with 3M™ 6000, 6500, and 7500 series half-facepieces and 6000 series full-facepieces. Sold as a 1-pair (2 cartridges) pack. Typical applications include embalming, histology laboratories, furniture manufacturing, textile treatment, and healthcare settings where formaldehyde is a recognized hazard. Standard OV cartridges such as the 6001 are not rated for formaldehyde. The 6005 does not protect against acid gases or particulates without an added prefilter. For workplace and occupational use only. ## Specifications | Attribute | Value | |---|---| | Product Type | Respirator Cartridge | | Filter Type | Formaldehyde/Organic Vapor | | Niosh Approval | Yes | | Compatible Series | 6000, 6500, 7500 | | Pack Count | 2 | | Barcode (UPC) | | Source: https://www.jaspecs.com/3m/respirator-filter/6005-3m-formaldehyde-organic-vapor-cartridge/