Which of the following best describes respirators?

The correct answer identifies respirators as filtering devices designed for respiratory protection. Respiration involves the inhalation of air, which may contain hazardous contaminants, including asbestos fibers. Respirators work by filtering out these harmful particles, allowing the wearer to breathe cleaner air in environments that may expose them to toxic substances.

In the context of asbestos handling or remediation, the proper use of respirators is crucial, as they help to minimize the inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can lead to serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Understanding the function of respirators within this framework emphasizes their importance in personal protective equipment (PPE) in occupational settings where airborne hazards are present.

Other options, while related to safety and protection in different contexts, do not accurately define or describe the primary purpose of respirators. Protective clothing, for instance, is intended to shield the body from physical and chemical hazards, but it does not address respiratory protection specifically. Emergency exit equipment is designed for safe egress during dangerous situations, while monitoring devices for air quality are used to assess the levels of contaminants in the air but do not provide protection to the individual. Thus, option B is the most accurate representation of what respirators do.