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O’Shaughnessy PT, Harris Z, Purdy M, Altmaier R. Validation of N95 respirator models for pressure drop and particle capture efficiency. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:390-400. [PMID: 37339509 PMCID: PMC10592347 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2227658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite efforts to apply administrative and engineering controls to minimize worker exposure to aerosols, filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) continue to be an important form of personal protective equipment in hard-to-control settings such as healthcare, agriculture, and construction. Optimizing the performance of FFRs can be advanced with the use of mathematical models that incorporate the forces that act on particles during filtration as well as those filter characteristics that influence filter pressure drop. However, a thorough investigation of these forces and characteristics using measurements of currently available FFRs has not been undertaken. Filter characteristics such as fiber diameter and filter depth were measured from samples taken from six currently-available N95 FFRs from three manufacturers. A filtration model was developed that included diffusion, inertial and electrostatic forces to estimate the filtration of an aerosol with a Boltzmann charge distribution. The diameter of the filter fibers was modeled as either a single "effective" diameter or as a lognormal distribution of diameters. Both modeling schemes produced an efficiency curve that simulated efficiency measurements made over a range of particle diameters (0.01 - 0.3 µm) with the use of a scanning mobility particle sizer in the region where efficiency is at a minimum. However, the method using a distribution of fiber diameters produced a better fit for particles > 0.1 µm. The coefficients associated with a simple form of the diffusion equation constituting a power law incorporating the Peclet number were adjusted to enhance model accuracy. Likewise, the fiber charge of the electret fibers was also adjusted to maximize model fit but remained within levels reported by others. A filter pressure drop model was also developed. Results demonstrated the need for a pressure drop model applicable to N95s relative to existing models developed with the use of fibers with larger diameters than those used in current N95 FFRs. A set of N95 FFR characteristics are provided that can be used to develop models of typical N95 FFR filter performance and pressure drop in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T. O’Shaughnessy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52241
| | - Zoe Harris
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52241
| | - Matthew Purdy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52241
| | - Ralph Altmaier
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52241
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Ng I, Kave B, Begg F, Bodas CR, Segal R, Williams D. N95
respirators: quantitative fit test pass rates and usability and comfort assessment by health care workers. Med J Aust 2022; 217:88-93. [PMID: 35645035 PMCID: PMC9347558 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To compare the performance of four N95 respirator types with respect to quantitative fit test pass rate and health care worker‐rated usability and comfort. Design, setting, participants Health care workers who participated in the respiratory protection program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, 1 October 2020 – 31 May 2021. Participants underwent quantitative N95 respirator fit testing (at least three of four types: semi‐rigid cup, flat‐fold cup, duckbill, and three‐panel flat‐fold types), and were invited to complete an online usability and comfort assessment for respirators for which their fit test results were passes. Main outcome measures Fit test pass rate, and user‐rated overall comfort and assessment ratings (five‐point Likert scales), by N95 respirator type. Results A total of 2161 health care workers underwent quantitative fit testing (women, 1586 [73.4%]; nurses, 1271 [58.8%]). The overall fit test pass rates were 65.0% for the semi‐rigid cup respirators (1029/1583 tests), 32.4% for the flat‐fold respirator (660/2035 tests), 59.2% for the duckbill respirators (2005/3387 tests), and 96.4% for the three‐panel flat‐fold respirator (1876/1946 tests). 378 health care workers completed the comfort and usability survey. Overall comfort and assessment ratings each differed by respirator group (P < 0.001); the median overall comfort (4; IQR, 3–4) and overall assessment values (4; IQR, 3–5) were highest for the three‐panel flat‐fold respirator and lowest for the semi‐rigid cup respirators (comfort: 2 [IQR, 1–3]; assessment: 2 [IQR, 2–3]). Conclusions The three‐panel flat‐fold N95 respirator outperformed the three alternative types with regard to fit test pass rate and user‐rated comfort and usability. To maximise respiratory protection for health care workers, these factors should be considered when making respirator procurement decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ng
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne VIC
- The University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC
| | | | - Fiona Begg
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne VIC
| | | | - Reny Segal
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne VIC
- The University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC
| | - Daryl Williams
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne VIC
- The University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC
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Favor OK, Pestka JJ, Bates MA, Lee KSS. Centrality of Myeloid-Lineage Phagocytes in Particle-Triggered Inflammation and Autoimmunity. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:777768. [PMID: 35295146 PMCID: PMC8915915 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.777768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to exogenous particles found as airborne contaminants or endogenous particles that form by crystallization of certain nutrients can activate inflammatory pathways and potentially accelerate autoimmunity onset and progression in genetically predisposed individuals. The first line of innate immunological defense against particles are myeloid-lineage phagocytes, namely macrophages and neutrophils, which recognize/internalize the particles, release inflammatory mediators, undergo programmed/unprogrammed death, and recruit/activate other leukocytes to clear the particles and resolve inflammation. However, immunogenic cell death and release of damage-associated molecules, collectively referred to as "danger signals," coupled with failure to efficiently clear dead/dying cells, can elicit unresolved inflammation, accumulation of self-antigens, and adaptive leukocyte recruitment/activation. Collectively, these events can promote loss of immunological self-tolerance and onset/progression of autoimmunity. This review discusses critical molecular mechanisms by which exogenous particles (i.e., silica, asbestos, carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide, aluminum-containing salts) and endogenous particles (i.e., monosodium urate, cholesterol crystals, calcium-containing salts) may promote unresolved inflammation and autoimmunity by inducing toxic responses in myeloid-lineage phagocytes with emphases on inflammasome activation and necrotic and programmed cell death pathways. A prototypical example is occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica, which is etiologically linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other human autoimmune diseases. Importantly, airway instillation of SLE-prone mice with crystalline silica elicits severe pulmonary pathology involving accumulation of particle-laden alveolar macrophages, dying and dead cells, nuclear and cytoplasmic debris, and neutrophilic inflammation that drive cytokine, chemokine, and interferon-regulated gene expression. Silica-induced immunogenic cell death and danger signal release triggers accumulation of T and B cells, along with IgG-secreting plasma cells, indicative of ectopic lymphoid tissue neogenesis, and broad-spectrum autoantibody production in the lung. These events drive early autoimmunity onset and accelerate end-stage autoimmune glomerulonephritis. Intriguingly, dietary supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated to be an intervention against silica-triggered murine autoimmunity. Taken together, further insight into how particles drive immunogenic cell death and danger signaling in myeloid-lineage phagocytes and how these responses are influenced by the genome will be essential for identification of novel interventions for preventing and treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases associated with these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K. Favor
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - James J. Pestka
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Melissa A. Bates
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Kin Sing Stephen Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Robertsen Ø, Siebler F, Eisemann M, Hegseth MN, Føreland S, Vangberg HCB. Predictors of Respiratory Protective Equipment Use in the Norwegian Smelter Industry: The Role of the Theory of Planned Behavior, Safety Climate, and Work Experience in Understanding Protective Behavior. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1366. [PMID: 30135666 PMCID: PMC6092595 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has revealed a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Norwegian smelter workers compared to average population controls. Nevertheless, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is not always used, even in situations with high exposure risk. A questionnaire was distributed to workers in the Norwegian smelting industry to investigate the relationship between psychological factors and self-reported use of RPEs. Response rate was 567/1,253. A scale measuring attitudes toward behavior (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and behavioral intention (BI) was constructed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Reliability and Confirmatory Factor Analyses partially supported the theoretical structure of the TPB-based scale, the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS) and the Short Scale for Safety Climate (SC). A model explaining the relationship between observed variables, latent constructs from TPB, WEMS and SC was developed by SEM-analysis. Significant influence on BI from ATT (β = 0.31 p < 0.01), SN (β = 0.36 p < 0.01), and SC (β = 0.19, p < 0.01) emerged. Among the observed variables included, relationship status (β = −0.12 p < 0.05), education level (β = 0.09, p < 0.05), previously completed respirator fit-testing (β = −0.09, p < 0.05) and average hours spent in exposed areas (β = −0.09) p < 0.05) had significant influence on behavioral intention. The model explained 48% of the variance in BI. BI and PBC significantly predicted PB, with β = 0.65 and β = −0.06, respectively. Results of this investigation can help facilitate further work and development of health & safety routines within industrial settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Robertsen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Psychology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Frank Siebler
- Department of Psychology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Martin Eisemann
- Department of Psychology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Marit N Hegseth
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Solveig Føreland
- Department of Occupational Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Geoscience and Petroleum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hans-Christian B Vangberg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Psychology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Seo Y, Vaughan J, Quinn TD, Followay B, Roberge R, Glickman EL, Kim JH. The Effect of Inspiratory Resistance on Exercise Performance and Perception in Moderate Normobaric Hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol 2017; 18:417-424. [PMID: 29112466 PMCID: PMC10542912 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2017.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seo, Yongsuk, Jeremiah Vaughan, Tyler D. Quinn, Brittany Followay, Raymond Roberge, Ellen L. Glickman, and Jung-Hyun Kim. The effect of inspiratory resistance on exercise performance and perception in moderate normobaric hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol. 18:417-424, 2017. PURPOSE Respirators are simple and efficient in protecting workers against toxic airborne substances; however, their use may limit the physical performance of workers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inspiratory resistance on physical performance and breathing perception in normobaric hypoxia. METHOD Nine healthy men wore a tight-fitting respiratory mask outfitted with one of four different inspiratory resistors (R) (0, 1.5, 4.5, 7.5 cm H2O/L/Sec) while exercising at normobaric hypoxia (17% O2) at submaximal exercise workloads of 50, 100, and 150 W on a cycle ergometer for 10 minutes each, followed by a maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test to exhaustion. RESULTS Maximal power output at R7.5 was significantly lower than R0 (p = 0.016) and R1.5 (p = 0.035). Respiration rate was significantly reduced at R4.5 (p = 0.011) and R7.5 (p ≤ 0.001) compared with R0. Minute ventilation was significantly decreased in R7.5 compared with R0 (p = 0.003), R1.5 (p = 0.010), and R4.5 (p = 0.016), whereas VO2 was not significantly changed. Breathing comfort (BC) and breathing effort (BE) were significantly impaired in R7.5 (BC: p = 0.025, BE: p = 0.001) and R4.5 (BC: p = 0.007, BE: p = 0.001) compared with R0, but rating of perceived exertion (RPE) remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Added inspiratory resistance limited maximal power output and increased perceptions of BC and BE in normobaric hypoxia. However, low-to-moderate inspiratory resistance did not have a deleterious effect on VO2 or RPE at submaximal or maximal exercise. Perceptual and physiological characteristics of respirators of varying inspiratory resistances should be considered by manufacturers and end users during design and respirator selection processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsuk Seo
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeremiah Vaughan
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Tyler D. Quinn
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Brittany Followay
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Raymond Roberge
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ellen L. Glickman
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Jung-Hyun Kim
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Cowan DM, Benson SM, Cheng TJ, Hecht S, Boulos NM, Henshaw J. Evaluation of reported fatality data associated with workers using respiratory protection in the United States (1990-2012). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2017; 72:235-246. [PMID: 27341297 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2016.1205546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OSHA revised the 1971 respiratory protection standard in 1998 to add guidance for selecting and maintaining respirators. Fatality reports from 1990 to 2012 were used to characterize historical trends in fatalities associated with respirators. Industry- and time-specific trends were evaluated to determine the effect of the revision to the standard on respirator-related fatalities; 174 respirator-related deaths were reported. The majority of fatalities were associated with using an airline respirator (n = 34) or the absence of using a respirator in required spaces (n = 38). Overall, 79% of fatalities were associated with asphyxia. Fatalities were associated with improper employee use or lack of employer compliance. Reductions in fatality rates over time appeared to be associated with the revisions to the respirator standard, although other variables may influence rates (eg, controls). Recommendations for employers and employees regarding maintaining safe use of respirators are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shelby Hecht
- a Cardno ChemRisk, LLC , Aliso Viejo , California , USA
| | | | - John Henshaw
- c Cardno ChemRisk, LLC , Sanibel , Florida , USA
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Respiratory Symptoms due to Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde and MDF Dust in a MDF Furniture Factory in Eastern Thailand. Adv Prev Med 2016; 2016:3705824. [PMID: 28119784 PMCID: PMC5227115 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3705824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate factors associated with respiratory symptoms in workers in a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) furniture factory in Eastern Thailand. Data were collected from 439 employees exposed to formaldehyde and MDF dust using questionnaire and personal sampler (Institute of Occupational Medicine; IOM). The average concentration of formaldehyde from MDF dust was 2.62 ppm (SD 367), whereas the average concentration of MDF dust itself was 7.67 mg/m3 (SD 3.63). Atopic allergic history was a factor associated with respiratory irritation symptoms and allergic symptoms among the workers exposed to formaldehyde and were associated with respiratory irritation symptoms and allergic symptoms among those exposed to MDF dust. Exposure to MDF dust at high level (>5 mg/m3) was associated with respiratory irritation symptoms and allergic symptoms. Excluding allergic workers from the study population produced the same kind of results in the analysis as in all workers. The symptoms were associated with the high concentrations of formaldehyde and MDF dust in this factory. If the concentration of MDF dust was >5 mg/m3, the risk of irritation and allergic symptoms in the respiratory system increased. The respiratory health of the employees with atopic allergic history exposed to formaldehyde and MDF dust should be monitored closely.
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Pounds L, Duysen E, Romberger D, Cramer ME, Wendl M, Rautiainen R. Social marketing campaign promoting the use of respiratory protection devices among farmers. J Agromedicine 2015; 19:316-24. [PMID: 24959763 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2014.917350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This article describes the formal use of marketing concepts in a systematic approach to influence farmers to voluntarily increase respiratory protective device (RPD) use. The planning process for the project incorporated six key decision or action points, each informed by formative research or health behavior theory. The planning process included developing behavior change strategies based on a 4P model (product, price, place, and promotion). The resulting campaign elements included print and e-mail messages that leveraged motivators related to family and health in order to increase farmers' knowledge about the risks of exposure to dusty environments, four instructional videos related to the primary barriers identified in using RPDs, and a brightly colored storage bag to address barriers to using RPDs related to mask storage. Campaign implementation included a series of e-mails using a bulk e-mail subscription service, use of social media in the form of posting instructional videos on a YouTube channel, and in-person interactions with members of the target audience at farm shows throughout the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health seven-state region. Evaluation of the e-mail campaigns indicated increased knowledge about RPD use and intent to use RPDs in dusty conditions. YouTube analytic data indicated continuing exposure of the instructional videos beyond the life of the campaign. The project demonstrates the efficacy of a planning process that incorporates formative research and clear decision points throughout. This process could be used to plan health behavior change interventions to address other agriculture-related health and safety issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Pounds
- a Department of Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health , University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health , Omaha , Nebraska , USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study addresses methods for training respirator users, particularly when occupational health professionals are not immediately available. METHODS A randomized trial compared three training methods-printed brochure, video, and computer-based training-for two respirator types (filtering facepiece and a dual-cartridge half facemask). Quantitative fit testing (PortaCount) measured the effectiveness of training. The study included 226 subjects. RESULTS For both respirator types, video was significantly superior to either print or computer-based training methods. Conclusions were consistent, whether determined by average fit factor (analysis of variance), log-transformed fit factors, or the number of users in the lowest quartile of achieved fit. CONCLUSIONS Video training for proper respirator use can be effective when direct training from an occupational health professional is unavailable. These methods are particularly relevant to "rapid rollout" situations, such as natural disasters, epidemics, or bioterrorism concerns.
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Siracusa A, De Blay F, Folletti I, Moscato G, Olivieri M, Quirce S, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Sastre J, Tarlo SM, Walusiak-Skorupa J, Zock JP. Asthma and exposure to cleaning products - a European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology task force consensus statement. Allergy 2013; 68:1532-45. [PMID: 24131133 DOI: 10.1111/all.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Professional and domestic cleaning is associated with work-related asthma (WRA). This position paper reviews the literature linking exposure to cleaning products and the risk of asthma and focuses on prevention. Increased risk of asthma has been shown in many epidemiological and surveillance studies, and several case reports describe the relationship between exposure to one or more cleaning agents and WRA. Cleaning sprays, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, mixing products, and specific job tasks have been identified as specific causes and/or triggers of asthma. Because research conclusions and policy suggestions have remained unheeded by manufactures, vendors, and commercial cleaning companies, it is time for a multifaceted intervention. Possible preventive measures encompass the following: substitution of cleaning sprays, bleach, and ammonia; minimizing the use of disinfectants; avoidance of mixing products; use of respiratory protective devices; and worker education. Moreover, we suggest the education of unions, consumer, and public interest groups to encourage safer products. In addition, information activities for the general population with the purpose of improving the knowledge of professional and domestic cleaners regarding risks and available preventive measures and to promote strict collaboration between scientific communities and safety and health agencies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Siracusa
- Department of Occupational Medicine; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - F. De Blay
- Division of Asthma and Allergy; Department of Chest Diseases; University Hospital Strasbourg; University of Strasbourg; Strasbourg France
| | - I. Folletti
- Department of Occupational Medicine; Terni Hospital; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - G. Moscato
- Allergy and Immunology Unit; Fondazione ‘Salvatore Maugeri’; Institute of Care and Research; Scientific Institute of Pavia; Pavia Italy
| | - M. Olivieri
- Unit of Occupational Medicine; University Hospital of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - S. Quirce
- Department of Allergy; Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ) and CIBER of Respiratory Diseases CIBERES; Madrid Spain
| | - M. Raulf-Heimsoth
- Institute of Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance; Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum; Bochum Germany
| | - J. Sastre
- Department of Allergy; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Ciberes and Fundación Jiménez Díaz; Madrid Spain
| | | | | | - J.-P. Zock
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL); Barcelona Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM); Barcelona Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP); Barcelona Spain
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Gosch ME, Shaffer RE, Eagan AE, Roberge RJ, Davey VJ, Radonovich LJ. B95: a new respirator for health care personnel. Am J Infect Control 2013; 41:1224-30. [PMID: 23726655 PMCID: PMC7115300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2013.03.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Respiratory protection relies heavily on user compliance to be effective, but compliance among health care personnel is less than ideal. Methods In 2008, the Department of Veterans Affairs formed the Project Better Respiratory Equipment using Advanced Technologies for Healthcare Employees (BREATHE) Working Group, composed of a variety of federal stakeholders, to discuss strategies for improving respirator compliance, including the need for more comfortable respirators. Results The Working Group developed 28 desirable performance characteristics that can be grouped into 4 key themes: (1) respirators should perform their intended function safely and effectively; (2) respirators should support, not interfere, with occupational activities; (3) respirators should be comfortable and tolerable for the duration of wear; and (4) respiratory protective programs should comply with federal/state standards and guidelines and local policies. As a necessary next step, the Working Group identified the need for a new class of respirators, to be called “B95,” which would better address the unique needs of health care personnel. Conclusion This article summarizes the outputs of the Project BREATHE Working Group and provides a national strategy to develop clinically validated respirator test methods, to promulgate B95 respirator standards, and to invent novel design features, which together will lead to commercialized B95 respirators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Gosch
- National Center for Occupational Health and Infection Control (COHIC), Office of Public Health, Department of Veterans Affairs, Gainesville, FL.
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Harber P, Boumis RJ, Su J, Barrett S, Alongi G. Component analysis of respirator user training. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2013; 10:556-563. [PMID: 24011265 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2013.818235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Respirators must be properly used to be effective. In an experimental protocol, 145 subjects were trained and then observed donning and doffing respirators. Filtering facepiece and dual cartridge half face mask types were studied. Subjects were then tested for knowledge and for proper performance using video recording analysis. Knowledge tests showed adequate learning, but performance was often poor. Inspection, strap tension (half mask), seal checking, and avoiding mask contact during doffing were particularly problematic. Mask positioning was generally well done. Correlation between knowledge and performance for specific items was generally poor, although there was a weak correlation between overall knowledge and overall performance (rho = 0.32) for the half mask users. Actual unprompted performance as well as knowledge and fit-testing should be assessed for user certification. Respirator design approval should consider users' ability to learn proper technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Harber
- a Community, Environment, and Policy Division, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health , University of Arizona , Tucson , Arizona
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