Breathing zone

The breathing zone refers to the immediate area around a person’s nose and mouth where the air they breathe originates. It is typically considered to extend about 2 feet in all directions from the face. In occupational hygiene and environmental assessments, measuring the air in this zone helps evaluate inhaled contaminants or pollutants, providing an accurate representation of what a person is actually breathing in during their activities. Maintaining awareness of the breathing zone is essential for assessing exposure risks and ensuring proper ventilation or protective measures are in place.