Which type of mask provides protection against airborne diseases?

The correct choice is a filter mask, which is specifically designed to block airborne particles, including pathogens that can cause diseases. Filter masks often have multiple layers of filtration and are constructed to fit securely around the face, creating a barrier that helps prevent the inhalation of viruses and bacteria.

This type of mask is essential in settings where there is a risk of airborne transmission, such as healthcare facilities or crowded public areas, because it minimizes the likelihood of inhaling infectious agents that can be present in respiratory droplets or aerosols.

In contrast, other types of masks, while they may offer varying degrees of protection, do not primarily serve the same function as a filter mask. For instance, a CPR mask is intended for administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and may not provide adequate filtration against pathogens. A face mask typically refers to general masks that serve a variety of purposes but may lack the specialized filtering capability of a filter mask. Similarly, surgical masks are primarily designed to protect patients during medical procedures by preventing the wearer's respiratory secretions from contaminating the surgical field, but they are not as effective against airborne transmission as filter masks.