Type of Atmospheric Contaminant*
Color Code │
Acid gases
White
Acid gases, ammonia, carbon monoxide, and organic vapors
Red
Acid gases, ammonia, and organic vapors
Brown
Acid gases and organic vapors
Yellow
Ammonia gas
Green
Carbon monoxide gas
Blue
Organic vapors
Black
Other vapors and gases not listed above
Olive
Radioactive materials (except tritium and noble gases)
Purple
Dusts, fumes, and mists (other than radioactive material)
Orange
*
A purple or orange stripe on any cartridge or canister signifies
that contaminant is contained within, regardless of percentage.
*
If only the labels are color-coded as above, then the canister or cartridge
body is to be gray or natural metallic color.
*
Wording on the label will tell you the contaminant contained within and
the degree of protection it will give you.
Table 2-2. Color-coding for cartridges and gas mask canisters.
MD0165
2-33