What distinguishes an air purifying respirator (APR) from other types?

An air purifying respirator (APR) is specifically designed to remove contaminants from the air that the wearer inhales by utilizing filters or cartridges. This function is crucial in environments where there are harmful particles, gases, or vapors present, allowing individuals to breathe cleaner air. The filters or cartridges are selected based on the specific contaminants present in the environment, making APRs adaptable for various situations.

In contrast, respirators that supply oxygen are classified differently and are not air purifying; they provide breathing air to the wearer rather than filtering the ambient air. Moreover, while some respirators may be made of special fabrics to enhance filtration or comfort, this feature alone does not define an APR. Also, it’s important to note that APRs protect against a wide range of airborne contaminants beyond just dust, making them versatile for many applications, rather than being limited to a single type of particulate matter.