Performance of single-use respirators

Six models of single-use dust respirators were evaluated for NaCl aerosol leakage while being worn by human test subjects. The respirators were evaluated for their ability to fit a wide range of facial sizes, for changes in efficiency after storage in a humid atmosphere; and for consistency of protection when worn for a six-hour work shift. Results indicate that only two of the six models tested provided a protection factor of 5 to all members of a 10 person test panel. Storage in a humid atmosphere had no detectable effect on five of the models, while one showed a decrease in the level of protection offered. Throughout a 6 hour work shift, four of the six models provided a consistent level of protection, while two showed variations in the level of protection offered.