N95 is NIOSH approved for environments containing certain non-oil based particles. When properly fitted, use with appropriate cartridges for various applications including spray painting, petrochemical and chemical manufacturing, and pesticide spraying. The filter helps protect against: 1) solids such as those from processing minerals, coal, iron ore, cotton, flour, and certain other substances; 2) liquid or non-oil based particles from sprays that do not emit harmful vapors; and 3) metal fumes produced from welding, brazing, cutting, and other operations involving heating of metals.