Air-purifying respirators protect applicators from pesticide exposure by?

• A. Filtering and absorbing the pesticide.
• B. Breaking down the pesticide.
• C. Neutralizing the pesticide.
• D. Diluting the pesticide.

Answer: (A)

Air-purifying respirators clean the air you breathe as it passes through the device. Pesticides can be present as droplets or as vapors, and the respirator removes them by two mechanisms: filters trap solid particles, and absorbers (like activated carbon cartridges) capture pesticide vapors. This combination of filtering and absorbing is what provides protection for applicators. They don’t break down or neutralize the pesticide inside the mask, and they don’t dilute the contaminant—their role is to remove it from the air you inhale. If oxygen levels are too low, a supplied-air respirator would be required instead.