Xu X, Zhao L, Zhu Y, Du B, Zhu B, Zhang H, Han L, Liu X. Conducting quantitative mask fit tests: application details and affecting factors.
Front Public Health 2023;
11:1218191. [PMID:
37521986 PMCID:
PMC10372483 DOI:
10.3389/fpubh.2023.1218191]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Respirators chosen based on their assigned protection factor (APF) enable wearers to effectively reduce particulate matter concentrations to safe levels when used correctly. As a crucial factor in achieving the intended APF, the fit test has become a necessary procedure in respiratory disease protection.
Methods
This study involved 225 participants who underwent a fit test using two reusable types of half masks and two types of full masks. Condensation nuclei counting (CNC) and controlled negative pressure (CNP) were performed.
Results
The results revealed that the passing rate of full masks was higher compared to half masks. Specifically, the passing rate for the half masks and the full masks were 84.7 and 91.6%, respectively. Gender exerted a statistically significant effect on the passing rate. Nevertheless, age, educational background, and training exhibited relatively negligible effects. Certain movements, such as facing forward, were identified as key actions with strong correlation. Additionally, talking was considered a key action with a high failure rate due to instantaneous leakages. Most participants failed at the initial step of CNP, but nearly all of them passed the fit test using CNC.
Discussion
Therefore, putting on full masks, especially for women, provides optimal protection during work. Furthermore, attention should be given to the displacement and deformation of the respirator during the key actions. When it comes to fit test methods, CNC was found to be more practical and comprehensive compared to CNP. Moreover, additional physiological characteristics, such as double chins, could be explored as potential influential factors.
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