Type ABEK and ABEK P Filters for Face Masks: A Complete Guide to Respiratory Protection

Introduction

Type ABEK and ABEK P filters are PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) designed for respiratory protection and used in work environments with higher health risks.
When fitted to gas masks, they protect against toxic gases and vapors and, when combined with particulate filters, also against hazardous particles.

In this guide, you will learn what type ABEK and ABEK-P filters are, which contaminants require their use, and in which industries they are recommended to ensure workplace safety.

 

What Are Type ABEK and ABEK P Filters

. Type ABEK filters (identified by brown, grey, yellow, and green color codes) and type ABEK P filters (brown, grey, yellow, green, and white) are RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) designed to protect workers from harmful substances.

Type ABEK filters combine four different types of protection:

1. Type A: against organic gases and vapors with a boiling point > 65 °C
2. Type B: against inorganic gases and vapors
3. Type E: against sulfur dioxide and other acid gases
4. Type K: against ammonia and its derivatives

The combination of these four categories ensures broad and effective respiratory protection, especially in work environments exposed to chemical contaminants.

 

Type ABEK P filters are combined filters that provide:

1. ABEK protection against toxic gases and vapours
2. P Protection against solid and liquid particles such as dust, fumes, and mists

Type ABEK P filters are the ideal solution for high-risk environments where different types of contaminants may be present simultaneously.

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Hazardous Substances Requiring Type ABEK and ABEK P Filters

Type ABEK filters provide protection against organic gases (Type A), inorganic gases (Type B), acid gases (Type E), and ammonia (Type K).
When the work environment involves contaminants from these different categories, the use of an ABEK filter is recommended; if particles are also present, an ABEK P filter is the most suitable choice.

This solution ensures comprehensive protection by simultaneously covering the main toxic risks to the respiratory system.

Organic gases and vapors (Type A)

Examples: solvents, hydrocarbons, paints, benzene, toluene
Applications: automotive refinishing and painting, chemical and petrochemical industries, pharmaceutical sector

For the full list of contaminants requiring Type A and A P filters, refer to the “ Toxic Substances” section in the article dedicated to Type A respiratory filters.

Inorganic gases and vapors (Type B)

Examples: chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide
Applications: chemical industry, water treatment and purification, metallurgical industry

For the full list of contaminants requiring Type B and B P filters, refer to the “Toxic Substances” section in the article dedicated to Type B respiratory filters.

Acid gases (Type E)

Examples: sulfur dioxide (SO₂), hydrochloric acid
Applications: refineries and Oil & Gas, petrochemical industry, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors

For the full list of contaminants requiring Type E and E P filters, refer to the “Toxic Substances” section in the article dedicated to Type E respiratory filters.

Ammonia and derivatives (Type K)

Examples: ammonia (NH₃), amines
Applications: agriculture and fertilizers, pest control and sanitation, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors

For the full list of contaminants requiring Type K and K P filters, refer to the “Toxic Substances” section in the article dedicated to Type K respiratory filters.

ABEK P Filters: Combined Protection

ABEK P filters provide comprehensive protection and include: tAll contaminants covered by ABEK filters
(organic, inorganic, acid gases, and ammonia) + le pSolid and liquid particles (Type P) dust, metal fumes, fibers, mists, aerosols).

For the full list of contaminants requiring Type P filters, refer to the “Toxic Substances” section in the article dedicated to Type P respiratory filters.

 

Regulations and Certifications

. Type ABEK and ABEK P filters must comply with specific European standards to be considered certified PPE:

1. EN 14387:2004+A1:2008 (standard for gas and combined filters)
2. Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment
3. CE Certification, mandatory to ensure compliance with European directives

The standard also classifies filters according to their filtering capacity (Class 1, 2 or 3), helping users select the level of protection most suitable for the specific risk.

 

Conclusions

Type ABEK and ABEK P filters represent one of the most advanced and reliable solutions for respiratory protection in work environments exposed to gases, vapors, and hazardous particles.

Choosing the right filter, combined with certified protective masks, is essential to ensure high standards of health and safety in the workplace.

Discover our complete range of ABEK and ABEK-P filters, available with universal RD40 EN 148-1 connection, bayonet, and screw connections:

For more information, contact us for a personalized consultation.