What does an N-95 respirator primarily filter out?

An N-95 respirator is designed primarily to filter out biological contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, from the air. The "N" in N-95 refers to its non-oil resistant capability, and the "95" indicates that it filters out at least 95% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. This level of filtration is crucial in healthcare settings, particularly in preventing the transmission of respiratory infections.

While it is true that N-95 respirators can filter some other particulate matter, their primary function is to protect against airborne biological threats, which is why they are essential in situations like handling infectious patients. The use of N-95 respirators has been emphasized during public health emergencies, such as influenza outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining their critical role in infection control.

The other options suggest different types of filtration that do not align with the primary purpose of the N-95 respirator, highlighting its specific design and intended use.