Which of the following describes the use of a detector tube?

The use of a detector tube is primarily described by its function to determine air quality through reactive color changes. These tubes are designed to sample air and contain specific reagents that react with targeted gases or vapors present in the environment. When the air is drawn through the tube, a chemical reaction occurs, which often results in a visible color change. This change can indicate the concentration of particular substances in the air, allowing responders to assess safety conditions in confined spaces.

This capability is essential for ensuring that air quality is within safe limits before and during rescue operations, contributing significantly to the safety of both rescuers and potential victims. The tubes are compact, easy to use, and provide immediate semi-quantitative results, which is crucial in emergencies where time is of the essence.