New NIOSH-Approved Respirators from 3M Provide Protection in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Environments

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2004--3M announces that it is now offering one of the first gas mask respirators to receive NIOSH CBRN approval. This is the same style mask used widely by the U.S. Armed Forces. 3M provides safety products and services to emergency response personnel around the world for a wide range of situations from natural disasters, to health crises such as SARS, to terrorist attacks such as 9/11 and the anthrax incidents.
 

3M introduces full facepiece FR-M40B and the canister FR-15-CBRN. The FR-M40B assembly consists of a silicone facepiece, eyepiece outserts, a butyl rubber second skin -- giving first responders added confidence when facing chemical warfare agents. This lightweight system has been tested by NIOSH against common warfare agents such as sarin, mustard and numerous industrial chemicals, and is NIOSH-approved for use in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) environments. They are an ideal respiratory protection option for first responders and other front-line emergency response personnel.

"First responders need specialized personal protective equipment for use in demanding environments," said Jean Koecher, Marketing, Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division. "The new full facepiece assembly FR-M40B with canister helps provide the high level of protection and comfort that our country's emergency response personnel demand and deserve."
 

The FR-M40B respirator assembly features dual ocular lenses for enhanced vision and improved safety, and two integral speaking diaphragms for enhanced verbal communication.
 

3M is one of the world's premier providers of diversified products and technologies, with operations in more than 60 countries. 3M has an experienced staff of environmental, health and safety professionals dedicated to creating state-of-the-art programs designed to simplify and improve the lives of their customers, and contribute to a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.

For more information contact:

Occupational Health and Environmental Safety,

3M Center, Building 0235-02-W-70,

St. Paul, MN 55144-1000;
Telephone: 800-328-1667;

Web site: www.3M.com/occsafety.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.

For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon are trademarks of 3M.