We get questions from users about the use of safety equipment in real world situations all the time. One of the things I’d like to do from time to time is share some of the answers for those of you in similar circumstances. Also, please note that we encourage this type of inquiry. Just so you know, names or details about you will never be used in a blog post. Here is the question…
I would like to buy a mask that can protect me from the fumes of E6000 glue which I believe is highly toxic. Unfortunately, it works great and is the only glue i have found to do the job i need it to do. Which is a good mask for this purpose? I will be gluing on crystals on ice skating costumes and sometimes work for a number of hours. thanks
And here is the answer that I gave, expanded slightly to illuminate some aspects for users unfamiliar with the subject…
Hi, the E6000 glue contains Perchloroethylene, also known as Tetrachloroethylene. This is a pretty nasty solvent. The most common use for it is in the Dry Cleaning industry, where it is often referred to as PERC. As you can see, it is also used as a component in some adhesives. I found a brief explanation about this solvent on the epa.gov website.
3M recommends using organic vapor cartridges attached to a full face respirator. They say to use a full face mask since the solvent will attack mucous membranes as found in the nose and eyes. This is a particular problem at high concentrations, which are unlikely to occur in your particular application.
With proper ventilation (exhaust fan?), you should be able to get away with a half mask, which costs less money, but don't ignore this aspect of the problem. And you do so at your own risk (have to say that).
The 3M organic vapor cartridges are... 3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridges
The 3M full face mask respirator is... 3M Full Face Respirator
The 3M half mask respirator is... 3M Half-Face Respirator
The 3M 6001 cartridge will fit on either mask. Choose a size, and look for a comfortable fit. When you put on the mask, with cartridges attached, you should not smell or taste the solvent. When you start to smell it, then it is time to change the cartridges. There is no set limit on this time. Less solvents mean the carbon (activated charcoal) lasts longer. More solvent concentration means less time.
When you aren't using the glue and mask, keep them separated, since the carbon will absorb solvent vapors out of the air. And the mask may pick up the scent. A zip lock bag works well to hold the mask.
Oh, and one other thing. It is a good idea to wear gloves when handling the glue. Disposable nitrile gloves are a good choice to maintain the dexterity you need for the fine work, but still have some chemical resistance.
Thank you, Rick Pedley PK Safety Supply
The customer got back to me with a further clarification…
thanks so much for the information. My only concern for the full mask is that I wear glasses. If the half mask covers the nose, then it is the eye membranes that are susceptible. By exhaust fan, do you mean a regular fan or is this something different? If I were to do this outside in full ventilation do you think a 1/2 mask would solve the problem of protecting my lungs and nose from this stuff? I would buy the full mask but I am concerned about spending almost $200 on a mask and eye piece since I don't know if I am going to be doing this a lot. Any information you have will be appreciated. Thanks so much.
My reply…
Glasses can be a problem. They make an eyeglass insert for the full-face respirator mask that allows you to have a prescription lens inside the mask. 3M Full-Face Mask Spectacle Kit
But if you can get ventilation, then using the half mask is likely ok. What I mean by using an exhaust fan is that there is air movement either out of the space or into the space. Not just circulating. Outdoors is good of course.
Thank you, Rick
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of respirator do you need for E6000 glue fumes?
E6000 contains perchloroethylene (PERC, also known as tetrachloroethylene), a chlorinated organic solvent. A respirator with an organic vapor (OV) cartridge (like the 3M 6001) captures the vapor via the activated charcoal inside the cartridge. For repeated or prolonged use, 3M recommends a full-face respirator because PERC vapor at higher concentrations irritates the eyes and mucous membranes; for occasional short use with strong ventilation, a half-face respirator with the same OV cartridge is usually sufficient. Particulate-only filters (N95, P100 without an OV cartridge) will NOT stop solvent vapor.
Is E6000 glue actually toxic?
The main solvent in E6000 is perchloroethylene (PERC), classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 2A — probably carcinogenic to humans. OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for PERC is 100 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average (29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-2), with a 200 ppm ceiling and a 300 ppm 5-minute excursion limit. The ACGIH threshold limit value is more conservative at 25 ppm 8-hour TWA plus a 100 ppm short-term exposure limit. For hobbyist use in a well-ventilated space with an OV cartridge respirator, exposure stays well within these limits; the concern rises with hours of daily use in a confined space.
Can you use a half-mask respirator instead of a full-face one with E6000?
Yes, provided (1) you have real ventilation — an exhaust fan moving air out of the space, an open window with airflow, or ideally working outdoors; and (2) you don't have direct eye irritation from the vapor. A half-mask covers only the nose and mouth, so the eyes remain exposed to airborne PERC. If your eyes water or sting while working, that's the signal to switch to a full-face respirator or improve ventilation. The 3M 6001 organic vapor cartridge fits both half-face and full-face 3M masks, so you can upgrade the mask body without changing cartridges.
How often do you replace organic vapor cartridges when using E6000 glue?
For occasional hobbyist use, the practical test is: when you can smell the solvent through the mask, the activated charcoal has been saturated and the cartridge is spent — replace it. Cartridge life shortens with higher solvent concentration and longer use time. Between sessions, store cartridges in a sealed zip-top bag; the charcoal otherwise adsorbs vapor from ambient air even when the mask isn't being worn. For occupational (workplace) use, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B) requires a written change-out schedule rather than relying on smell — because some solvents (methylene chloride, others) exhibit poor odor warning properties. PERC does have detectable odor at typical exposure concentrations, which is why the smell-based test works for hobbyist DIY.
Do you need special gloves when working with E6000 glue?
Nitrile gloves are a good choice for E6000. They preserve enough dexterity for fine work (setting crystals, small crafts) while providing meaningful chemical resistance to the PERC solvent — better than latex or vinyl, which PERC will break down. For extended contact (as opposed to incidental splash), heavier neoprene or butyl gloves offer longer breakthrough times, but these sacrifice dexterity. Disposable nitrile is the practical answer for most hobbyist applications: replace them between sessions and discard after use.
Is ventilation enough on its own for working with E6000?
Good ventilation reduces the airborne concentration you're exposed to — an exhaust fan moving air out of the space, a cross-breeze from open windows, or outdoor work — but ventilation alone does not eliminate exposure to a chlorinated solvent that IARC classifies as a probable carcinogen. The safer approach is: prioritize ventilation first (it's cheap and reduces the total dose everyone in the space receives), then wear an OV cartridge respirator to further filter what you personally inhale. For a few minutes of casual use with real airflow, a respirator may be optional; for hours of work, layer both.
Photo credit: 3M