{"id":18946,"date":"2020-03-05T12:53:49","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T17:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/?page_id=18946"},"modified":"2026-04-14T11:57:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T15:57:01","slug":"respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/","title":{"rendered":"Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"18960\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-18960 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"man with face mask working on pesticide spray unit\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-105x105.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-317x317.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-423x423.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>\u2014 Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Prepared by Kerry Bernard, Pesticide Safety Education Professional<\/em><br \/>\n<em>Reviewed by Jason Lilley, Sustainable Agriculture Professional, and Jim Dill, Pest Management Specialist<\/em><\/p>\n<p>UMaine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Pest Management Unit, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473-3692, 207.581.3880 <a href=\"mailto:extension.diagnosticlab@maine.edu\">extension.diagnosticlab@maine.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Occupational Respirator Use<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The occupational use of respirators for pesticides is regulated by the EPA\u2019s Worker Protection Standard (WPS) in agricultural settings and OSHA\u2019s Respiratory Protection Standard (RPS) in other settings. Before an individual wears a respirator for work, both protection standards require them to complete:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a medical evaluation,<\/li>\n<li>fit-testing, and<\/li>\n<li>respirator training<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"18877\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/woman-wearing-a-respirator.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-18877\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/woman-wearing-a-respirator-197x300.jpg\" alt=\"woman wearing a respirator spraying pesticide on plants in a greenhouse\" width=\"197\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/woman-wearing-a-respirator-197x300.jpg 197w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/woman-wearing-a-respirator-92x140.jpg 92w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/woman-wearing-a-respirator-317x484.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/woman-wearing-a-respirator-423x646.jpg 423w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/woman-wearing-a-respirator.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,197px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>\u2014 Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The standards also require fit checks with each use; recordkeeping; proper use, storage, and maintenance of respirators; and, for the RPS, a written plan for respiratory protection.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Medical Evaluations<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Breathing through non-powered, air-purifying respirators (APRs) is more strenuous than normal breathing. Those with certain respiratory, cardiovascular, and other medical conditions may not be able to do so without risk to their health. Even supplied-air respirators (SARs) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) may be unsafe for some, due to the weight of the equipment and other factors. Therefore, medical evaluations are required:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For users of ALL respirators<\/li>\n<li>Before using a respirator<\/li>\n<li>Initially, and whenever\n<ul>\n<li>the user\u2019s health changes,<\/li>\n<li>recommended by a Physician or other Licensed Health-Care Professional (PLHCP),<\/li>\n<li>the work becomes more strenuous,<\/li>\n<li>using a respirator becomes difficult for the user, or<\/li>\n<li>mandated in Maine\u2019s public sector<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Before fit-testing<\/li>\n<li>To be performed by a PLHCP, either\n<ul>\n<li>online via the Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire,\u00a0 or<\/li>\n<li>in person at an occupational health center or a regular doctor\u2019s office<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>To be paid for by the user\u2019s employer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Medical information is confidential, so only the PLHCP\u2019s determination may be viewed by the employer, not the questionnaire responses.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Fit-Testing<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Variation in the size, structure, and features of individuals\u2019 faces means that not everyone can get a seal with the same respirator. And without a proper seal, a tight-fitting respirator will not protect against pesticides. Employers should provide a range of respirator makes, models, styles, and sizes for fit testing so users can find one that works for them.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"18998\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/PAPR-illustration-web.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-18998 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/PAPR-illustration-web-169x300.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)\" width=\"169\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/PAPR-illustration-web-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/PAPR-illustration-web-79x140.jpg 79w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/PAPR-illustration-web-317x563.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/PAPR-illustration-web.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"image-attribution\">Illustration by Donald Barry<\/span>Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Fit-testing is required:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Before using a respirator<\/li>\n<li>For ALL tight-fitting respirators, including filtering facepieces<\/li>\n<li>Annually, and whenever\n<ul>\n<li>the user switches to a make, model, style, or size of respirator they haven\u2019t been fit-tested with that year, or<\/li>\n<li>the user\u2019s face has changed<br \/>\n(new scars, dentures, facial surgery, significant weight change, etc.).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Loose-fitting PAPRs (pictured on the right) do not require fit testing and offer an alternative for individuals who can\u2019t pass a fit test with a tight-fitting respirator.<\/p>\n<p><strong>There are two types of fit tests:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Qualitative<\/strong> \u2014 A pass\/fail test in which the user dons the respirator and tries to detect banana oil (for respirators with an organic vapor or combo cartridge\/canister), or Bitrex\u2122 or saccharin aerosol (respirators with a particulate filter or combo cartridge\/canister). These tests can be performed with relatively cheap materials, by ANYONE who can follow the protocols. Some respirator manufacturers sell qualitative fit-test kits, which include the necessary materials and protocols. Full protocols are also described in OSHA 1910.134 Appendix A and the Pesticide Educational Research Collaborative\u2019s (PERC\u2019s) WPS Respiratory Protection Guide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quantitative<\/strong> \u2014 A test administered by a specially trained individual that determines the amount of leakage and calculates a respirator\u2019s \u2018fit-factor\u2019 based on measurements taken inside the facepiece.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more information on fit-testing, visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/video\/respiratory_protection\/fittesting.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Respiratory Fit Testing (Pruebas de Ajuste de los Respiradores) page<\/a> (United States Department of Labor)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where to get \ufb01t tested in Maine<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Concentra \u2014 Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Norway<\/li>\n<li>Health Screening USA \u2014 North Windham<\/li>\n<li>Life Safety Specialists, Inc. \u2014 Norway<\/li>\n<li>Northern Light\u2019s Work Health \u2014 Bangor, Portland, Presque Isle, Waterville<\/li>\n<li>Southern Maine Health Care\u2019s WorkWell program \u2014 Biddeford, Sanford<\/li>\n<li>St. Joseph\u2019s WorkWell \u2014 Bangor<\/li>\n<li>Mobile health and occupational safety clinics<\/li>\n<li>Anywhere (qualitative), with the materials, protocols, and a competent helper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Respirator Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Gas-Mask-worn-sq.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-19026\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Gas-Mask-worn-sq-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"woman wearing a gas mask\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Gas-Mask-worn-sq-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Gas-Mask-worn-sq-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Gas-Mask-worn-sq-105x105.jpg 105w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Gas-Mask-worn-sq-317x317.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Gas-Mask-worn-sq-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Gas-Mask-worn-sq.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,300px\" \/><\/a>Employers must provide annual respirator training to all employees who use pesticides with a respirator requirement on the label. After the training, employees must be able to demonstrate their understanding of<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the importance of respirators,<\/li>\n<li>the limitations of respirators,<\/li>\n<li>respirator and cartridge\/canister selection and replacement,<\/li>\n<li>respirator use in an emergency and what to do if a respirator fails,<\/li>\n<li>how to wear and remove a respirator correctly and how to perform fit checks,<\/li>\n<li>respirator inspection, maintenance, storage, and<\/li>\n<li>how to recognize medical symptoms that may limit the effective use of a respirator.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Individuals to whom the RPS applies must also complete worksite-specific training.<\/p>\n<p>Self-employed individuals may train themselves if they can do so thoroughly and keep good records.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Fit Check<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Respirator-web.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-19000\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Respirator-web-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"a respirator\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Respirator-web-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Respirator-web-93x140.jpg 93w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Respirator-web-317x476.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Respirator-web.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,200px\" \/><\/a>Each<\/strong> time a user puts on a tight-fitting respirator, they must conduct a fit\/seal check to ensure the respirator is properly positioned and maintains an uninterrupted seal between the respirator and skin. Otherwise, contaminants could leak inside the mask. There are two types of fit-checks:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Positive-pressure check \u2013 Block the exhalation valve with a palm, then exhale. For filtering facepieces without a valve, block the entire facepiece with both hands, then exhale.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The facepiece should feel like it\u2019s bulging slightly. If air escapes beneath the facepiece, there is no seal, and the respirator must be repositioned until a seal is achieved.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Negative-pressure check \u2013 Block the inhalation valves\/cartridges with both palms, inhale, and hold for 10 seconds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The facepiece should collapse. If it expands before exhalation, reposition and re-check.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Planning and Recordkeeping<\/strong><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"18991\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/man-wearing-respirator-spraying-pesticide-on-a-tree.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-18991\" src=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/man-wearing-respirator-spraying-pesticide-on-a-tree-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"man spraying pesticide wearing respirator\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/man-wearing-respirator-spraying-pesticide-on-a-tree-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/man-wearing-respirator-spraying-pesticide-on-a-tree-93x140.jpg 93w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/man-wearing-respirator-spraying-pesticide-on-a-tree-317x476.jpg 317w, https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/man-wearing-respirator-spraying-pesticide-on-a-tree.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 85vw, (max-width: 768px) 67vw, (max-width: 1024px) 62vw,200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>\u2014 Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Respirators should be the last line of defense. Whenever reasonable, eliminate situations that put respiratory health at risk through planning and engineering controls. Consider substituting products that require a respirator for those that don\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>OSHA specifically requires pest control companies to design and implement a written Respiratory Protection Plan (RPP) and designate a program administrator. Though not mandated by the WPS, it\u2019s always a good idea to implement a respirator program and designate one person in charge.<\/p>\n<p>Records must be kept of medical determinations, fit tests, and training. Under the WPS, each must be kept for 2 years. Under the RPS, medical determinations must be kept for the duration of employment, plus 30 years. Fit-test records must be kept for one year\u2014until the next fit-test. Past training does not need to be documented, but current training plans must be included in the written RPP.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Other Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Employers are responsible for ensuring their employees use the right respirator(s) for the work, use them correctly, and that the respirators are maintained and stored properly. Specifically, respirators must be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>used according to manufacturer instructions,<\/li>\n<li>inspected for worn, torn, and broken parts, and re-paired,<\/li>\n<li>cleaned and dried prior to each day of reuse,<\/li>\n<li>stored away from pesticides, contaminated areas, and personal items,<\/li>\n<li>handled with gloves prior to cleaning, if contaminated (and the product requires gloves),<\/li>\n<li>left at work, if contaminated,<\/li>\n<li>used in accordance with a change-out schedule, depending on the type of respirator, the conditions, the manufacturer\u2019s instructions, and other factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All but the last point applies to all other PPE as well.<\/p>\n<p>This material is meant as a <strong>general guide only<\/strong>. <b>Always follow the pesticide label and respirator manufacturer\u2019s instructions.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>For more information on respirators and their use, see:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>NIOSH\/CDC:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cdc.gov\/niosh<\/a>, Email: <a href=\"mailto:cdc-info@cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cdc-info@cdc.gov<\/a>, 800.232.4636<\/li>\n<li><strong>OSHA:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">osha.gov<\/a>, 800.321.6742<\/li>\n<li><strong>EPA:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/pesticides\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">epa.gov\/pesticides<\/a>, Email: <a href=\"mailto:pesticidequestions@epa.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pesticidequestions@epa.gov<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>PERC:<\/strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/pesticideresources.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pesticideresources.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>AgriSafe Network:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agrisafe.org\/lungs-for-life\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">agrisafe.org\/lungs-for-life<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Maine BPC:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maine.gov\/dacf\/php\/pesticides\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">thinkfirstspraylast.org<\/a>, 207.287.2731<\/li>\n<li><strong>UMaine Extension Professionals:<\/strong> Jason Lilley, <a href=\"mailto:jason.lilley@maine.edu\">jason.lilley@maine.edu<\/a>, 207.781.6099, or Kerry Bernard, <a href=\"mailto:kerry.bernard@maine.edu\">kerry.bernard@maine.edu<\/a>, 207.581.3884<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>To download and print this brochure:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/03\/Respirators-and-Pesticides-II_03052020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Pesticide safety information may change over time. This information is provided for educational purposes only and was published in 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Although pesticides can be an essential tool in pest management, their improper use and disposal pose a continuing risk to humans, animals, and the environment. It\u2019s important for applicators to understand that pesticide safety is not only about protecting themselves \u2014 it\u2019s also about protecting our domestic and wild animals, the environment, our landscapes, and our communities.<\/p>\n<p>Misuse of pesticides can result in, or contribute to, serious injury, illness, or death. Cooperative Extension does not guarantee the safety or effectiveness of any product or practice. Users of any pesticides and Extension\u2019s educational materials do so at their sole risk and assume all risk from using such pesticides and materials, whether they follow recommendations or not. The user bears all responsibility for resulting damages to property, human health, or the environment. Cooperative Extension and the University of Maine System shall not be responsible for any damages, <strong>including, but not limited to, any and all damage or loss to real or personal property, personal injury or death, resulting from the negligence of Cooperative Extension, the university, its trustees, faculty, agents, employees, or volunteers.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Always follow directions on pesticide labels!<\/strong> Failure to do so violates federal law. Application timing and proper calibration are as important as using the right product.<\/p>\n<p>Cooperative Extension makes no warranty or guarantee of any kind, expressed or implied, concerning the use of any stated products. Trade names are used for identification only; no product endorsement is implied, nor is discrimination intended.<\/p>\n<p>Source material includes publications from EPA, CDC\/ NIOSH, OSHA, Oregon OSHA, and PERC, and Cooperative Extension Offices from Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, University of Florida, and the University of Nebraska. Photos courtesy of USDA-ARS. Illustrations by Donald Barry.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/\">www.maine.edu\/title-ix\/<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prepared by Kerry Bernard, Pesticide Safety Education Professional Reviewed by Jason Lilley, Sustainable Agriculture Professional, and Jim Dill, Pest Management Specialist UMaine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Pest Management Unit, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473-3692, 207.581.3880 extension.diagnosticlab@maine.edu Occupational Respirator Use The occupational use of respirators for pesticides is regulated by the EPA\u2019s Worker [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18946","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use - Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases - University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use - Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Prepared by Kerry Bernard, Pesticide Safety Education Professional Reviewed by Jason Lilley, Sustainable Agriculture Professional, and Jim Dill, Pest Management Specialist UMaine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Pest Management Unit, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473-3692, 207.581.3880 extension.diagnosticlab@maine.edu Occupational Respirator Use The occupational use of respirators for pesticides is regulated by the EPA\u2019s Worker [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-14T15:57:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/\",\"name\":\"Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use - Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases - University of Maine Cooperative Extension\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-300x300.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-03-05T17:53:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-14T15:57:01+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles.jpg\",\"width\":600,\"height\":600,\"caption\":\"\u2014 Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/\",\"name\":\"Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases\",\"description\":\"Information you can use. Research you can trust.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use - Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use - Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","og_description":"Prepared by Kerry Bernard, Pesticide Safety Education Professional Reviewed by Jason Lilley, Sustainable Agriculture Professional, and Jim Dill, Pest Management Specialist UMaine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Pest Management Unit, 17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, ME 04473-3692, 207.581.3880 extension.diagnosticlab@maine.edu Occupational Respirator Use The occupational use of respirators for pesticides is regulated by the EPA\u2019s Worker [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/","og_site_name":"Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases","article_modified_time":"2026-04-14T15:57:01+00:00","og_image":[{"width":600,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/","name":"Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use - Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases - University of Maine Cooperative Extension","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles-300x300.jpg","datePublished":"2020-03-05T17:53:49+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-14T15:57:01+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2020\/02\/cover-photo-for-brochure-2-man-adjusting-spray-nozzles.jpg","width":600,"height":600,"caption":"\u2014 Photo courtesy of USDA-ARS"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/respirators-and-pesticides-ii-fit-testing-and-other-respirator-requirements-for-occupational-use\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Respirators and Pesticides II: Fit-Testing and Other Respirator Requirements for Occupational Use"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/#website","url":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/","name":"Cooperative Extension: Insect Pests, Ticks and Plant Diseases","description":"Information you can use. Research you can trust.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"msnowden","author_link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/author\/msnowden\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18946","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18946"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18946\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31994,"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18946\/revisions\/31994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/ipm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}