What should you do if you notice a pesticide smell while wearing a respirator?

When you notice a pesticide smell while wearing a respirator, changing the respirator cartridges immediately is the appropriate action to take. The presence of a smell indicates that the current cartridges may not be effectively filtering out the chemicals or that they are saturated and no longer effective. Respirators are designed to protect you from inhaling harmful substances, and a detectable odor suggests that the protection may be compromised.

By replacing the cartridges without delay, you ensure your safety and maintain the effectiveness of the respiratory protection. It's also a proactive approach to prevent potential exposure to harmful pesticides, which could have acute or chronic health effects. This action is aligned with the best practices for personal protective equipment (PPE) use, where regular checks and replacements are critical for maintaining safe working conditions when handling hazardous materials.