Respirator
There are many different uses for respirators. Most commonly a respirator is used to protect individuals from breathing in debris and harmful material such as dust, fumes, vapors or gases. There are two types that are utilized the most with breathing protection. The first is a device that filters contaminated air through a purifier before it is inhaled by the individual. This is called an air-purifying respirator. The second method for breathing protection is known as an air supplied respirator. Here, the individual who has this device on is receiving a fresh supply of air at every inhale that they take. Both of these methods are effective, but it depends on the environment that the individual is working in on which one is utilized.
A respirator is usually designed to fit around the mouth and the nose of the individual. Functionality is determined by the style and form of the device and where it will be utilized. Respirators are most often used in workforces that contain a lot of loose debris in the air. In this case, workers are protected from inhaling any type of material that could be harmful to their normal breathing functions. For respirators that filter the air before it is inhaled, there is a feature (usually a cartridge) that traps the particles and purifies the air before it passes through the mouth and nose. Most businesses or industries that use respirators for their workers are required to abide by safety regulations and occupational safety guidelines given to them by federal and state governments.
Respirators are useful in trapping harmful material such as asbestos. If a person that works around material such as asbestos inhales the toxic fibers, there is a large chance for severe health risks later in life. There has been strict regulation on types of materials that are harmful to people's health. Asbestos has been named one of the most toxic materials that have caused health irregularities in work related environments. Respirator devices have been created in adherence to different precautions that have been taken to reduce the risk of breathing difficulties due to unsafe work environments.
The non-work related uses for respirators include treating severe asthma or other chronic pulmonary disorders. In either case, if the respirator is used inappropriately or in the wrong manner, it could become ineffective. The device should be properly fitted and the individual should be trained on how to makes its use most effective.
