Air-purifying respirators protect applicators from pesticide exposure by:

Air-purifying respirators serve a crucial role in safeguarding applicators from pesticide exposure by using specific mechanisms designed to filter and remove harmful substances from the air before they are inhaled. The correct answer indicates that these respirators function by filtering and/or absorbing the pesticide, which means they are equipped with filters or sorbents that capture airborne contaminants, ensuring cleaner air reaches the user.

The materials used in air-purifying respirators are specifically chosen based on the type of pesticide they are intended to protect against. The filtration system is designed to trap particles and neutralize certain gases, thereby minimizing the risk of inhalation of hazardous materials.

Understanding the nuances of air-purifying respirators is important because they do not break down pesticides or dilute them in the air, nor do they reduce the inhalation of oxygen. Instead, they provide a barrier that effectively removes contaminants from the air that an applicator would otherwise breathe in, which is vital for maintaining safety during pesticide application.