If an air purifying respirator cartridge gets wet during decontamination, what should you do?

If an air purifying respirator cartridge gets wet during decontamination, replacing the cartridge is the most appropriate action. Cartridges that have been saturated can lose their effectiveness in filtering out contaminants because moisture can disrupt the physical properties of the absorbent materials inside the cartridge. This can compromise the respirator's ability to provide adequate respiratory protection, as it may not effectively adsorb harmful gases or vapors.

Choosing to replace the cartridge ensures that the user will have a functional and effective respirator when needed, adhering to safety protocols and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. In addition, relying on a wet cartridge could expose the user to hazardous environments without proper protection, which is a significant risk.

In contrast, drying it off does not guarantee that the cartridge has retained its filtering capability. Reusing it without thoroughly inspecting its condition is also risky, as it may still be contaminated or damaged. Storing it for later use, if it has been wet, is similarly unsafe because the integrity of the cartridge may have been compromised, rendering it ineffective for future use.