Pesticide respirators should be approved for use by which organization?

Pesticide respirators must be approved for use by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as they are responsible for evaluating and certifying respiratory protective devices to ensure they meet specific safety standards. NIOSH certification indicates that the respirator has undergone rigorous testing and meets the required performance standards to protect users from inhaling hazardous substances, including pesticides.

Additionally, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) also plays a role in approving respirators for use in mining environments, which can include situations where pesticides are applied. However, while MSHA and NIOSH both approve respirators, it is crucial that the respirators used in pesticide application settings specifically comply with NIOSH standards.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pesticides but does not approve respiratory protective equipment. Thus, reliance solely on the EPA for respirator approval would not ensure that the equipment meets occupational safety requirements.

Choosing both NIOSH and MSHA reflects the comprehensive oversight required in ensuring that respirators used in environments involving pesticides are safe and effective for the intended use. This dual approval helps in providing adequate respiratory protection across various industries that may expose workers to hazardous materials.