Lung tissues easily absorb pesticides and inhalation risks can
be high when handling toxic pesticides that produce volatile fumes.
Always carefully follow any instructions given on the pesticide label regarding respiratory protective devices. Because specifi c
types of respiratory protective devices protect against specifi c chemicals and vapors, it is essential to use one of the appropriate design. It is important that the respirator fi ts your face properly to insure a good seal. Long sideburns, a beard, or glasses may prevent an adequate seal. Wearing a respirator does not eliminate the need for wearing
protective clothing on other parts of the body!
Do not wear baseball caps when applying pesticides
Always have eye protection available
Types of Respirators
Chemical cartridge respirators draw air through activated charcoal or a dust fi lter. Most harmful gases, vapors, and
particulate matter are removed by the fi lter. Chemical cartridge respirators are NOT suitable protection where toxic fumigants are being used, such as in grain storages.
Gas mask respirators cover and protect the entire face. They
contain larger fi lters with more absorbent material than do chemical cartridge respirators. Gas mask respirators should be used when mixing or applying pesticides in poorly ventilated areas. Neither gas mask nor chemical cartridge respirators give suffi cient protection in low oxygen environments.
Gas mask respirators which have a self-contained oxygen supply are also available. Where the application site is defi cient in oxygen or where high concentrations of toxic gases are present (such as fumigation of greenhouses and/or buildings), respirators with self- contained oxygen supplies should be used.
Your respirator should be tested before you wear it in a situation where you may inhale pesticides. There are two types of tests: fi t
tests and fi t checks. They ensure that the respirator is operating
correctly and that you are being protected.
Fit Tests
Perform a fi t test before using your cartridge respirator for the fi rst time, and then retest periodically. Fit test programs are approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Contact your local public health department, fi re department, or Cooperative Extension offi ce to locate an approved fi t testing program.
The two main types of fi t tests are:
Testing whether the wearer can detect a test substance by irritation, odor, or taste
Measuring the actual amount of a test substance that gets inside the facepiece
Fit Checks
A fi t check is an on-the-spot check that you should do to make sure the respirator is still working correctly. Do a fi t check each time you wear a
face-sealing respirator. ♦ ♦ Half facemask chemical cartridge respirator
Gas mask with canister
There are two methods for checking the seal of the facepiece against your face. To check using the fi rst method:
Close the inlet of the cartridge (cover it with your palm, replace the caps, or squeeze the breathing tube so that it does not allow air through)
Inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly Hold your breath for about 10 seconds
If the facepiece remains slightly collapsed and no inward leakage is detected, the respirator probably fi ts tightly enough and will work correctly. This method does not work for dust/mist masks.
The second method for testing the facepiece seal is to close the exhalation valve with your palm and exhale gently into the facepiece. If slight pressure builds up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage, the respirator probably fi ts tightly enough and will work correctly. This method is not appropriate for respirators with an exhalation valve cover that would have to be removed fi rst.
Another on-the-spot fi t check is the use of a test substance to determine whether you can detect an odor, taste, or irritant. This fi t check tests both the facepiece seal and whether a vapor-removing cartridge is still working. Most test agents are gases or vapors and will not test a dust/ mist fi ltering mask or cartridge. Test agents are available from catalogs and dealers that sell a variety of respirators. If you cannot detect the test agent while you are wearing the respirator, it probably is working correctly. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s directions.
Maintaining a Respirator
The proper maintenance and care of respirators should include regular inspections for defects, cleaning and disinfecting, repair, and proper storage. An inspection check should include tightness of connections and condition of the face piece, head bands, valves, connecting tube, and canister. Respiratory devices should be cleaned after each day’s use. Prior to cleaning, any fi lter, cartridge, or canister should be removed. The face piece and breathing tube should be washed with warm soapy water, rinsed in fresh water to remove all traces of soap, and if necessary, sanitized. Respirators should be air dried in a clean area, away from pesticide storage areas or other possible pesticide sources.
When using a respirator, the cloth fi lter should be changed twice a day or more often if breathing becomes diffi cult. Cartridges should be changed according to the manufacturer’s directions. A good rule of thumb is to change them after eight hours of actual use or more often if an odor of the pesticide is detected.
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Several factors affect the service life of respiratory protective devices. These include: the type and amount of chemical fi ll in a cartridge or canister, the concentration of the contaminants in the air, the breathing rate of the wearer, and the temperature and humidity. It is essential that you carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions on the use and maintenance of any respirator and its parts before using it. Use only respirators approved by NIOSH, the U.S. Bureau of Mines, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.