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Simulated workplace performance of N95 respirators
C C Coffey1, D L Campbell, Z Zhuang
1Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505-2888, USA.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Fit-testing is crucial for N95 respirator performance. Without it, protection levels are significantly lower than expected, but fit-testing ensures users receive adequate safety. This study highlights the importance of proper respirator fit.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Respiratory Protection Technology
- Industrial Hygiene
Background:
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) introduced new particulate respirator classes in July 1995.
- Assessing the real-world performance of N95 respirators is vital for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the simulated workplace performance of 21 N95 respirator models.
- To ascertain the impact of fit-testing on respirator performance.
- To investigate how varying fit-test criteria influence respirator effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 100 total penetration tests per respirator model.
- Estimated performance using the 95th percentile of total penetration.
- Applied a surrogate fit test with a 1% criterion to assess performance changes.
Main Results:
- Without fit-testing, the 95th percentile of total penetrations ranged from 6% to 88%, with an overall average of 33%.
- With a surrogate fit test (1% criterion), the 95th percentile decreased to 1-16%, with an overall average of 4%.
- Respirator performance was significantly influenced by the fit-test pass/fail criteria.
Conclusions:
- Fit-testing is essential to ensure N95 respirators provide their intended level of protection.
- The effectiveness of N95 respirators is highly dependent on successful fit-testing.
- Adjusting fit-test criteria can substantially alter the perceived and actual performance of respirators.