Indeed, the respirator should be the proper standard for such work. I have one but the code specs are different in the US I excpect. I used to wear mine in every attic I inspected and also in some basements. One job, I refused to go in the attic... I had gone in the basement and the rats were huge and quite curious. That's when I saw the rot in the floor support structure.

When I poked my head up in the attic and saw the amount of batshit on the floor, I came down the ladder and loaded up my quip. The lady asked me what I was doing and I said, "No charge for the inspection. Here's your report... Bulldozer required after the fire." She became quite upset as it was a "heritage" prpoerty and surely could be restored??? I reached into my pocket and offered her a book of matches... free of charge.... and said, "Buy it if you want. Have a nice day. I was never here."