What should be done if a respirator causes skin irritation?

If a respirator causes skin irritation, consulting with a healthcare professional is the appropriate course of action. This step is essential because skin irritation could indicate an allergic reaction or sensitivity to materials used in the respirator, which could lead to more severe health issues if not addressed. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on whether the respirator should be discontinued, suggest alternative models, or recommend treatment for the irritation.

Continuing to use the respirator could exacerbate the irritation and lead to potential injury, while using it only in well-ventilated areas does not directly address the root cause of the skin irritation. Although replacing the cartridge might seem like a practical solution, it's not guaranteed to resolve the irritation if it's related to other materials in the respirator itself. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures that appropriate and safe measures are taken.