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Metabolic Evaluation of N95 Respirator Use With Surgical Masks -FY10

NOTE: This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.

Current Information can be found at: Metabolic Evaluation of N95 Respirator Use With Surgical Masks - FY11

Objective

This project will investigate the recommendation by the IOM to examine the effects of the placement of a surgical mask over a N95 particulate filtering respirator using the Automated Breathing and Metabolic Simulator. A subset of respirators and surgical mask will be tested to compare with a companion field study by the Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Testing masks with Automated Breathing and Metabolic Simulator

Applicable Standards

Standard development for ISO and ANSI

Key Partners

VA

Stakeholders

CDC & IOM for guideline recommendations
First responders
Health care providers / first receivers / hospitals
Department of Veterans Affairs
Public, at large

Project Scope

Select N95 respirators & surgical masks based on the US Strategic National Stockpile and the VA study
Perform tests on each model and type (cup, cup with fit enhancements, cone/duckbill, flat-fold), medium size (or M/L or universal), with and without exhalation valves, with and without surgical masks = 291 tests.
Perform tests on same respirator models and surgical mask as those used in VA field study = 12 tests.

Milestones

FY09 100% data collection completed and statistical analysis of data completed
Q2 Begin manuscript
Q3 Submit manuscript for internal peer review
Q4 Submit manuscript to journal for publication

Outputs

Manuscripts published or submitted to peer review journals
Presentations at conferences (1 abstract submitted to date)

Outcomes

Data are used to consider revisions or support NIOSH / CDC guidance on respiratory protection for healthcare workers, and subsequent test protocols may be considered in the development of ISO and ANSI standards

Page last updated: April 5, 2010
Page last reviewed: April 5, 2010
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory