Which of the following PPE is primarily for protecting the eyes and mouth?

The primary purpose of mouth and eye protection is to safeguard these sensitive areas from exposure to potentially infectious materials, such as blood or bodily fluids, which can carry bloodborne pathogens. This type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial in preventing contamination during procedures where splashes or sprays are likely to occur, thereby reducing the risk of infection.

Mouth protection is vital during situations where there is a potential for exposure through oral routes, while eye protection acts as a barrier against splashes, aerosols, and droplets that could enter the eyes and cause infection. Utilizing this specific protection is essential in healthcare settings and situations involving potential exposure to infectious agents.

In contrast, gloves primarily protect the hands, gowns provide whole-body coverage against contaminants, and aprons are an outer layer that can protect clothing from splashes but do not specifically address the need for eye and mouth protection. Therefore, while all the listed options serve important functions in infection control, mouth and eye protection specifically targets the safety of these two areas.