Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of a respirator's particulate filter?

1. To provide oxygen

2. To protect against chemical gases

3. To capture solid particles

4. To enhance airflow

The correct answer is: To capture solid particles

The primary function of a respirator's particulate filter is to capture solid particles. Particulate filters are specifically designed to trap airborne particles, which can include dust, pollen, mold spores, and other biological contaminants. This is crucial for protecting the respiratory system, especially in environments where there is a risk of inhaling harmful solid particulate matter. Particulate filters can come in various specifications, such as N95 or P100, indicating their effectiveness in filtering out a certain percentage of particles from the air. The effectiveness of these filters is essential in settings such as construction sites, healthcare facilities, and other environments where particulates can pose a significant health risk. While providing oxygen is vital in respiratory protection, this is not a function performed by particulate filters, as they do not supply breathable air but rather filter it. Protecting against chemical gases is the role of different types of filters that use activated charcoal or other materials designed to adsorb gas molecules, while enhancing airflow is not an objective of the filter itself but could be related to the overall design of the respirator system.