Which term is used for equipment protecting against airborne pathogens through filtration?

• A. N-95 Respirator
• B. Masks and Eyewear
• C. HEPA Respirator
• D. Disposable Gowns

Answer: (C)

Filtration-based protection against airborne pathogens relies on removing inhaled particles with a barrier that traps them. HEPA filtration uses a high-efficiency filter that captures a very large percentage of airborne particles, including many pathogens carried on aerosols. A respirator described as a HEPA respirator signals that its main protective mechanism is this high-efficiency filtration, making it the best term for equipment designed to protect against airborne pathogens through filtration. While an N95 respirator also provides filtration, it is defined by its certification level (95% at a specified particle size) rather than HEPA-grade filtration, and other items like masks, eyewear, or gowns do not rely on filtration to provide airborne protection to the same extent.