Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

What is an indicator that P100 filters need changing?

1. They smell bad

2. They become visually dirty

3. It is difficult to breathe through them

4. They make a loud noise

The correct answer is: It is difficult to breathe through them

The correct answer highlights a critical aspect of respiratory protection. P100 filters are designed to capture airborne particles, including asbestos fibers. One of the primary indicators that these filters need to be changed is an increase in breathing resistance. When the filters become clogged with contaminants, it becomes more difficult for the user to draw air through them. This difficulty signifies that the filter is no longer effectively performing its function, leading to inadequate protection for the wearer. The other options, while they may suggest some issues with the filter or mask, do not serve as reliable indicators for filter replacement. For example, a bad smell or visual dirtiness may occur without necessarily impacting the filter's performance. Similarly, loud noises are not a standard indicator of filter efficacy or the need for change. As such, the difficulty in breathing serves as a clear and immediate sign that the filter has reached a point where it must be replaced to maintain adequate respiratory protection.