Which type of respirator is typically required for protection from particulates?

The N95 respirator or higher efficiency masks are designed specifically to filter out an adequate level of particulate matter from the air, making them essential for environments where airborne particulates or contaminants are a concern. These masks are certified to capture at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) test particles, which includes many harmful pathogens and dust.

While a half-mask respirator and a full-face respirator can also offer protection against particulates, they require specific filters to achieve the level of filtration found in N95 respirators. Dust masks, on the other hand, provide a basic level of protection but are not rated for the same efficacy and might not adequately protect against finer particulates or infectious agents. This makes N95 or higher masks the preferred choice for ensuring a higher standard of respiratory protection in health and safety contexts.