Which organization is responsible for testing and certifying respirators used with pesticides?

• A. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• B. Environmental Protection Agency
• C. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• D. Food and Drug Administration

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that respirators used with pesticides must be tested and certified by NIOSH. NIOSH, part of the CDC, evaluates respirator performance and approves models for occupational use. When a respirator is NIOSH-approved, it carries a TC approval number and the “NIOSH-approved” mark, signaling it meets the standards for filtration efficiency and fit that are required for protecting workers in pesticide applications.

The EPA regulates pesticides themselves—what products exist, how they’re labeled, and what PPE is specified on labels. But the actual testing and certification of the respirators used with those pesticides come from NIOSH. OSHA uses these NIOSH approvals to enforce safe practices in workplaces, but OSHA does not certify respirators itself. The FDA’s scope does not cover pesticide respirators.

So, for respirator testing and certification that applies to pesticide use, the responsible organization is NIOSH. When selecting equipment, look for NIOSH approval markings to be sure the respirator meets the required protection standards.