ABSTRACT
Protection Factors provided by 25 NIOSH approved supplied-air respirators were determined while the devices were worn by a panel of test subjects anthropometrically selected to represent adult facial sizes. Polydispersed DOP aerosol was used for respirator fit tests on continuous flow, demand, and pressure-demand respirators. Based on facepiece leakage measurements it appears that demand-type respirators should neither be used nor approved. The highest level of protection was provided by pressure-demand devices.
Subject(s)
Protective Devices/standards , Respiratory Protective Devices/standards , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Female , Humans , Male , Occupational MedicineABSTRACT
Respirators are currently approved by testing them on a number of subjects without specifying facial sizes. Anthropometrically designed test panels were developed that represent the majority of the working population in terms of relevant facial measurements.
