Commodity Fumigation License Practice Exam

What level of phosphine can a canister gas mask provide protection for?

1. 10 ppm

2. 5 ppm

3. 15 ppm

4. 20 ppm

The correct answer is: 15 ppm

The canister gas mask is designed to provide protection against various chemical agents, including phosphine. The correct answer indicates that the canister gas mask can effectively protect the wearer from exposures up to 15 parts per million (ppm) of phosphine. This level of protection is critical, as phosphine is a highly toxic gas often used in commodity fumigation. The specific concentration of 15 ppm was determined based on the maximum allowable exposure limits and the efficiency of the filtration materials used in the canister design. For anyone working with phosphine or in environments where it may be present, understanding the limits of protective equipment like gas masks is essential for safety. The canister's ability to filter out phosphine up to this level provides sufficient safety for workers in controlled environments, allowing them to perform necessary fumigation tasks while minimizing the risk of exposure to hazardous concentrations of this gas.