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Respiratory protection against bioaerosols: literature review and research needs.

Authors

Rengasamy-A; Zhuang-Z; BerryAnn-R

Source

Am J Infect Control 2004 Oct; 32(6):345-354

Link

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2004.04.199 

NIOSHTIC No.

20026131 

Abstract

Research on respiratory protection against biologic agents is important to address major concerns such as occupational safety and terrorist attack. This review describes the literature on respiratory protection against bioaerosols and identifies research gaps. Respiratory protection is a complex field involving a number of factors, such as the efficiency of respirator filter material; face-piece fitting; and maintenance, storage, and reuse of respirators. Several studies used nonpathogenic microorganisms having physical characteristics similar to that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to analyze microbial penetration through respirators. Some studies showed that high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and N95 filters provided a higher level of protection than dust/mist (DM) and dust/mist/fume (DMF) filters. Flow rate and relative humidity appear to alter the level of penetration of microorganisms through respirator filters. The relationship between microbial penetration through respirator filters and the aerodynamic diameter, length, or other physical characteristics of microorganisms remains controversial. Whether reaerosolization of bioaerosol particles should be a concern is unclear, given the fact that one study has demonstrated significant reaerosolization of 1- to 5-microm particles loaded onto respirator filters. Respirator maintenance, storage, and decontamination are important factors to be considered when reusing respirators. The respiratory protection against biologic warfare agents such as anthrax in military and civilian situations is described.

Keywords

Respiratory-protection; Respiratory-protective-equipment; Biological-agents; Occupational-safety-programs; Biological-warfare-agents; Aerosols; Respirators; Air-filters

Contact

Appavoo Rengasamy, PhD, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Bruceton, PA 15236

CODEN

AJICDC

Publication Date

20041001

Document Type

Journal Article

Email Address

rda5@cdc.gov

Fiscal Year

2005

NTIS Accession No.

NTIS Price

Issue of Publication

6

ISSN

0196-6553

NIOSH Division

NPPTL

Source Name

American Journal of Infection Control

State

PA