What piece of equipment is best used to prevent fine particulates from being inhaled?

The best piece of equipment to prevent fine particulates from being inhaled is a dust mask. Dust masks are specifically designed to filter out airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and other small materials that can be harmful if inhaled. These masks fit snugly over the nose and mouth to create a barrier, which can significantly reduce exposure to harmful particles in various environments, such as agricultural fields, construction sites, or industrial settings.

Other options mentioned serve different protective purposes. Safety goggles protect the eyes from chemical splashes, debris, or flying particles but do not provide any respiratory protection. Ear plugs are designed to protect hearing by reducing noise levels and are not effective against inhalation hazards. Gloves are useful for hand protection against chemicals and physical abrasions but do not address respiratory concerns. Therefore, for the specific need to prevent inhalation of fine particulate matter, a dust mask is the most appropriate choice.