Which statement best describes the N-95 respirator?

The N-95 respirator is designed primarily to filter out airborne particles, including dust and infectious agents, and has been tested to capture a specified percentage of non-oily particles. However, it is important to note that the N-95 respirator is not effective in environments where there are high concentrations of oil mists. This limitation is due to the material properties of the respirator’s filter, which does not perform adequately against oils, leading to a reduced filtration efficiency when exposed to such conditions. In contexts where oily particles are present, different types of respirators, often classified with a different rating (such as P95 or P100), are more suitable as they are designed to handle those particulates effectively.

This understanding is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where respiratory protection is necessary, particularly in trauma and crime scene situations where various contaminants may be present.