Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

How do air-purifying respirators protect applicators from pesticide exposure?

1. By creating a vacuum seal

2. By filtering and/or absorbing the pesticide

3. By providing a constant supply of fresh air

4. By cooling the air inside

The correct answer is: By filtering and/or absorbing the pesticide

Air-purifying respirators offer protection to applicators by filtering and/or absorbing harmful contaminants, including pesticides, present in the air. These devices are designed with specialized filters that capture airborne particles and gases, effectively removing or neutralizing harmful substances before they can be inhaled by the user. This mechanism is crucial when working in environments where pesticide exposure is possible, as it directly addresses the risk of inhalation of toxic agents. Creating a vacuum seal is not the primary function of air-purifying respirators; instead, a proper fit is essential to ensure the respirator works effectively, but this is not the mechanism of action. While a continuous supply of fresh air would provide a different form of protection, this is characteristic of supplied-air respirators, not air-purifying ones. Similarly, cooling the air inside the respirator does not play a role in reducing exposure to pesticides. Thus, the method by which air-purifying respirators function directly through filtering and absorbing substances establishes their efficacy in protecting applicators.