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Release of simulated anthrax particles from disposable respirators
Nola J Kennedy1, William C Hinds
1Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UCLA School of Public Health, 650 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. okennedy@ucla.edu
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
|June 19, 2004
Summary
Disposable N95 respirators contaminated with anthrax spores showed minimal spore release when dropped. Less than 0.3% of simulated anthrax spores were released from tested masks after simulated handling.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Biodefense Research
- Respiratory Protection Technology
Background:
- Disposable respirators are crucial for protecting against airborne pathogens like anthrax.
- Assessing potential secondary exposure risks from contaminated personal protective equipment is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential for spore release from contaminated N95 respirators after simulated handling.
- To quantify particle release from two types of disposable N95 respirators.
Main Methods:
- Two N95 respirator models (Moldex 2200N95, 3M 8210) were contaminated with simulated anthrax spores (polystyrene spheres).
- Masks were subjected to a 3-foot drop onto a hard surface to simulate handling.
- Particle release was measured over ten experimental runs for each mask type.
Main Results:
- The Moldex 2200N95 mask released an average of 0.16% of loaded simulated spores.
- The 3M 8210 mask released an average of 0.29% of loaded simulated spores.
- Minimal release of simulated anthrax spores was observed from both N95 respirator types.
Conclusions:
- Contaminated disposable N95 respirators demonstrated a low potential for releasing anthrax spores during post-use handling.
- Findings suggest limited risk of secondary exposure from these respirator types under the tested conditions.