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A comparison of controlled negative pressure and aerosol quantitative respirator fit test systems by using human
C D Crutchfield1, R W Murphy, M D Van Ert
1School of Health Related Professions, University of Arizona, Tucson 85719.
Abstract:
A quantitative respirator fit test system based on controlled negative pressure was evaluated by comparison testing with a computerized aerosol fit test system. Experiments ranged from multiple sequential tests of a single subject wearing a respirator equipped with a series of fixed leaks to sequential fit tests of 125 U.S. Air Force personnel using both systems. Throughout each test phase, measured negative pressure fit factors were consistently more conservative and less variable than aerosol fit factors. Comparison of subject and fixed leak fit factors indicated significant loss of aerosol during subject fit tests. Negative pressure system results did not show any effect from subject-related losses.