Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Respiratory Protection Handbook, Revised May 2025

This handbook updates the original CBRN Respiratory Protection Handbook Publication No. 2018-166. It reflects new and emerging chemical and radiological hazards information identified during a recent hazard assessment conducted by NIOSH, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Defense.  As a result of this hazard assessment, NIOSH expanded its CBRN APR Protection List to capture additional hazards that NIOSH Approved® APRs with CBRN canisters would provide protection against. The changes to NIOSH’s CBRN APR Protection List are captured in Chapter 2, Table 2-1. Additionally, changes in Chapter 3 reflect updates to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards involving respirators with CBRN protections.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Respiratory Protection Handbook, Revised May 2025

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2025]. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Respiratory Protection Handbook. By Szalajda JV, Greenawald LA, Janssen L, Johnson AT, Johnson JS, Mansdorf SZ, Medici OR, Metzler RW, Rehak TR. Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2025-111.