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Respiratory and Thermal Physiology of Face Masks.

DuBois AB

John B. Pierce Foundation Laboratory, New Haven, Connecticut 1992 Jun:17 pages

00215355

Factors which may influence the thermal discomfort associated with wearing respirators were investigated. In a series of experiments, subjects wore face masks at rest or during exercise, at different air temperatures, mask air temperatures, and humidities. Skin temperature, heart rate, skin wetness, and subjective ratings of thermal discomfort were determined. Results were compared with those for subjects not wearing face masks. The pathways of heat transfer from skin to mask and from mask to the environment were studied. Mask wall temperature was lowered through evaporative cooling of the outer surface of the experimental mask, and the effects on thermal comfort and acceptability of the face mask were determined. Results indicated that, at rest, skin temperatures of the face above 34.5 degrees-C were uncomfortable. During exercise, skin temperatures below 31 degrees were comfortable. Evaporative cooling of respirator face masks increased subjective comfort.

NIOSH-Grant; Respirators; Respiratory-protection; Humans; Temperature-effects; Respiratory-protective-equipment; Face-masks;

None John B Pierce Foundation, Inc 290 Congress Avenue New Haven, Conn 06519

19920630

Final Grant Report;

396175.00

Grant;

1992

PB93-234201

A03

Grant-Number-R01-OH-02564

OEP

Respirator Research; Respirators;

John B. Pierce Foundation Laboratory, New Haven, Connecticut

CT;

John B. Pierce Foundation Lab, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut