Which qualitative fit-testing solution is also known as banana oil?

The qualitative fit-testing solution known as banana oil is isoamyl acetate. This substance is noted for its pleasant, fruity odor, which resembles that of bananas, making it a distinctive choice for qualitative fit testing. In fit testing, isoamyl acetate is used to help determine whether a respirator fits the user properly by allowing them to detect the presence of a specific aroma. If the user can smell the isoamyl acetate while wearing the respirator, it indicates that the mask may not be providing an adequate seal, suggesting a potential for exposure to harmful airborne contaminants.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes or have different characteristics; for instance, Bitrex is recognized for its extremely bitter taste, often used in taste tests for fit testing, while saccharin is sweet and is typically used in sweet taste tests. Irritant smoke, on the other hand, is designed to provoke a reaction, helping to identify fit failures in a different manner compared to pleasant-smelling substances like isoamyl acetate. Understanding these properties helps clarify why isoamyl acetate is specifically associated with the term "banana oil" in the context of fit testing.