NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Evaluation of respirator filters for asbestos fibers.
Authors
Cheng YS; Fan B; Holmes TD; Yeh HC
Source
Aerosol Science Group, Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute, Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute 1996 Jan; :1-54
NIOSHTIC No.
00231889
Abstract
The effects of fiber dimensions, flow rate, and charge status of filter cartridges on the penetration of fiber aerosols were examined, using four types of test respirator filters (two for passive respirators, one for a powered respirator, and one disposal respirator). Some filters were charged to enhance the collection efficiency. Only high efficiency filters performed consistently for both spherical test aerosols and the three types of asbestos (1332214) fibers. The performance of these filters did not appear to be changed by the surface charge potential of filter cartridges and charge status of fibers. When the change potential on the filter was removed and/or fiber aerosols discharged, the performance of low efficiency filters and masks deteriorated for aerosols. The surface charges decreased in a high temperature, high humidity environment and disappeared after 1 week. Shorter fibers had higher penetration rates, indicating that fiber interception is an important deposition mechanism. The maximum fiber penetration occurred in the region of fiber diameter and length where the interception diffusion deposition were at a minimum. These fibers could penetrate the face mask seal, with increased penetration for larger leaks. The fibers that penetrated had sizes similar in distribution to those found in bulk aerosols and may be a major concern for respiratory protection.
Keywords
NIOSH-Grant; Respirators; Personal-protective-equipment; Respiratory-equipment; Asbestos-fibers; Fibrous-dusts; Airborne-particles
Contact
Aerosol Science Lovelace Biomed & Environ Res PO Box 5890 Albuquerque, NM 87185
CAS No.
1332-21-4
Publication Date
19960127
Document Type
Final Grant Report
Funding Amount
357145
Funding Type
Grant
Fiscal Year
1996
NTIS Accession No.
PB97-105209
NTIS Price
A05
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R01-OH-02922
NIOSH Division
OEP
Priority Area
Respirator Research; Respirators
Source Name
Aerosol Science Group, Inhalation Toxicology Research Institute, Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute
State
NM
Performing Organization
Lovelace Institutes, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division