What is a characteristic of the N-95 respirator?

The N-95 respirator is specifically designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, including very small particles that may be present in the air during certain environments, such as those encountered in trauma or crime scene clean-up scenarios. This high efficiency makes it particularly suitable for protecting the wearer from harmful particulates, ensuring a level of safety in potentially hazardous situations.

While some respirators may feature a valve for easier exhalation, allowing more comfort during prolonged use, this is not a defining characteristic of all N-95 respirators. Additionally, N-95 masks are generally not designed to be reusable or washable; they are typically single-use but can be reused under specific circumstances if proper protocols are followed. Lastly, the N-95 respirator is primarily used in health care settings rather than being specifically designed for chemical environments, which usually necessitate different types of protective gear.