California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
A nail technician performs acrylic nail enhancements and heavy filing throughout the day, generating fine dust particles in the air. To protect against inhalation hazards, what should the technician use in addition to proper ventilation?
- AFrequent gum chewing to filter airborne particles
- BA surgical mask designed to prevent bloodborne pathogen transmission
- CA NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator rated for fine particulates
- DA cloth bandana tied loosely over the nose and mouth
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator rated for fine particulates
Fine dust from filing acrylic nails requires a NIOSH-approved dust mask or respirator capable of filtering fine particulates. Cloth bandanas and surgical masks are not designed to filter such fine dust effectively.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Chewing gum has no protective filtration effect.
- B. Surgical masks are designed for fluid splash/droplet protection, not fine dust filtration.
- D. Cloth bandanas do not filter fine particulates effectively.
Respiratory PPE for Nail Dust
NIOSH-approved dust masks or respirators are required to filter fine particulate matter generated during acrylic filing, since surgical masks and cloth coverings are inadequate for this purpose.
- Fine acrylic dust requires NIOSH-rated filtration
- Surgical masks don't filter fine particulates well
- Used alongside proper ventilation, not as a replacement
Memory trick: 'Fine dust demands a NIOSH must.'