Health effects of respirator use at low airborne concentrations

Respirators are considered a personal protective mechanism for preventing occupational disease because of inhaling toxic and hazardous substances. Engineering and work practice controls, in today's industrial environment, often maintain airborne contaminants below occupational hazardous levels. However, even at low concentrations, workers are often required to use respirators. Inappropriate use of respirators, during low exposure concentrations, may result in increased incidence and prevalence of disease from respirator use caused by physiological and psychological stress. This paper examines the hypothetical aspect of increased disease from using respirators at low exposure concentrations, with specific reference to the asbestos abatement industry.