What type of respirator utilizes a filter for air purification?

Air-purifying respirators are designed specifically to filter contaminants from the air before it is inhaled by the wearer. They accomplish this through various types of filters that can remove particulate matter, gases, and vapors from the air, thereby providing a clean breathing environment in situations where air quality is compromised.

These respirators are important for workers exposed to various airborne hazards in environments such as construction sites, chemical manufacturing, or during handling of hazardous materials where airborne pollutants are less potent than the outside air. In contrast, atmosphere-supplying respirators are used in situations where ambient air is not safe to breathe, as they provide a separate supply of breathable air. Positive pressure and pressure demand respirators also ensure that the air supply remains uncontaminated, but they do not utilize filters for purification, focusing instead on maintaining a continuous flow of fresh air.