Proper respirator use is vital for protecting workers from harmful airborne contaminants in many workplaces. These contaminants may include dust, fumes, gases, or other hazardous substances that can cause respiratory diseases, other health conditions, or fatalities if inhaled.

Respirators work by removing specific air contaminants through a filter, cartridge, or canister, or by supplying clean respirable air from another source. As a critical component of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), respirators can protect workers when engineering controls and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide adequate protection. Proper selection, fit, use, and maintenance of respirators is crucial to ensure they function effectively and protect the wearer as designed.