According to the EPA criteria, what type of respirator must you wear when applying liquid pesticide products from Toxicity Class I?

When applying liquid pesticide products classified as Toxicity Class I, a NIOSH-approved respirator with an organic vapor cartridge is necessary to provide adequate protection against highly toxic chemicals. Toxicity Class I pesticides are known for their potential to cause serious harm even at low exposure levels, which makes it critical to have a respirator designed for such hazardous environments.

NIOSH-approved respirators are tested and certified to ensure they effectively filter out harmful substances. An organic vapor cartridge is specifically designed to absorb vapors from solvents and organic chemical compounds, which are often present in liquid pesticides. Therefore, a respirator equipped with this type of cartridge is essential for safeguarding the respiratory system from inhaling dangerous fumes during the application process.

In contrast, the other options do not provide sufficient protection. An N95 respirator without filters is not suitable because it does not offer adequate filtration for organic vapors. A chemical splash mask only protects the face and eyes but does not safeguard against inhalation of harmful substances. A standard cloth mask lacks the necessary filtration capabilities to protect against the highly toxic vapors of Class I pesticides. Therefore, wearing the correct type of respirator is vital to ensure safety while handling these hazardous products.