Which protective clothing level utilizes air purifying respirators?

Level C protective clothing is designed for situations where the contaminant is known, and the atmospheric concentrations of hazardous substances are not immediately dangerous to life or health but may pose a risk. In this scenario, air purifying respirators (APRs) are utilized because they can filter out specific airborne contaminants, and they require an adequate oxygen supply in the environment.

Using APRs allows responders to effectively reduce exposure to hazardous vapors, gases, or particulates while maintaining mobility and comfort. In Level C, the risk associated with the contaminants necessitates the use of a respirator but does not require the high level of protection found in Level A or B. Levels A and B incorporate self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied-air respirators, which are used for environments where there are unknown or extremely hazardous levels of contaminants. Level D does not require respiratory protection at all, which differentiates it further from Level C.