What do we call respirators that pass ambient air through an air purifying element?

Air purifying respirators are defined by their mechanism of filtering ambient air through a purifying element, such as a filter cartridge or a chemical scrubber. These respirators are designed to remove specific contaminants from the air, making them suitable for various applications in environments where hazardous substances may be present.

The primary function of air purifying respirators is to provide clean, breathable air by eliminating harmful particles, gases, or vapors from the surrounding atmosphere. This is especially important in non-soil fumigation practices, where exposure to potentially toxic chemicals is a significant concern.

Other types of respirators serve different purposes. Supplied-air respirators deliver a clean air supply from an external source and are not reliant on filtering ambient air. Disposable respirators typically refer to single-use masks that may not provide the same level of protection as air purifying respirators and are not always equipped with sophisticated filtering systems. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) provides a complete air supply in a sealed environment and does not rely on ambient air, making it unsuitable for situations where air quality is acceptable but needs to be purified.

Understanding the specific function and application of air purifying respirators is essential for safe practices in areas where air quality may be compromised due to chemical