Should respirators be fitted to allow some air leakage around the face?

A respirator is designed to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous airborne substances, such as pesticides. For a respirator to be effective, it must form a tight seal against the face to prevent contaminated air from leaking in. If there is air leakage around the edges, the respirator cannot provide adequate protection, as unfiltered air could be inhaled.

Creating a tight seal ensures that the air being inhaled is filtered and that harmful particles, gases, or vapors are kept out. Properly fitted respirators also help maintain a balance between the inhalation and exhalation of air inside the mask, making them more comfortable to wear over extended periods.

Inappropriate fitting resulting in air leakage could lead to exposure to hazardous materials, defeating the purpose of using a respirator in the first place. Thus, ensuring a proper fit is critical for the safety of the pesticide applicator.