How do air-purifying respirators protect applicators from pesticide exposure?

Air-purifying respirators are designed to protect applicators from pesticide exposure by filtering and/or absorbing hazardous substances present in the air. These respirators contain specific filters that capture particulates, aerosols, and certain gases associated with pesticides. By doing so, they prevent the inhalation of harmful agents, significantly reducing the risk of respiratory exposure.

The filtering mechanism is crucial since many pesticides are airborne and can be dangerous when inhaled. This protective function allows applicators to work in environments where pesticides are in use while minimizing their risk of inhaling toxic substances that could lead to health issues.

The other options suggest functions that do not align with the primary purpose of air-purifying respirators. For instance, enhancing oxygen intake is more related to self-contained breathing apparatus, while cooling the inhaled air does not pertain to the respiratory protection context. Neutralizing the pesticide before inhalation is not a function of air-purifying respirators; instead, they focus on filtration rather than chemical neutralization.