Comparison of six quantitative fit test methods using full facepiece respirators with a measurement of exposure.

Coffey-CC; Zhuang-Z; Lawrence-RB; Jenson-PA

J Int Soc Respir Prot 2002 Spring/Summer; 19(1-2):20-36

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20022435

A study is described comparing fit factors from six quantitative fit-tests for full facepiece respirators to the concentration of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (Freon-113) in the wearer's end-exhaled breath during a 30-minute simulated workplace test. The methods were: (1) continuous high flow, deep probe, generated aerosol (CHD); (2) continuous low flow, flush probe, generated aerosol (CLF); (3) controlled negative pressure (CNP); (4) long duration (30 minute) ambient aerosol (AAlong); (5) short duration (8 minute) ambient aerosol (AA); and (6) high-flow, deep probe, 8 minute duration ambient aerosol (HDAA). The first two methods utilized corn oil and a forward light scattering photometer. The CNP used the Occupational Health Dynamics Fit Tester 3000. The last three used the TSI PortaCount Plus. The method fit factors were then individually correlated with the Freon-113 exposures using the coefficient of determination, r2. The potential for Freon-113 being absorbed through the skin and eliminated in the exhaled breath was also evaluated. The study found (1) for all methods except the controlled negative pressure method, a statistically significant correlation was found between total Freon-113 exposure dose and method fit factors (r2 values were: AAlong = 0.26, AA = 0.11, HDAA = 0.10, CHD = 0.09, CLF = 0.20, CNP =< 0.01); (2) the amount of Freon-113 in the exhaled breath due to skin absorption ranged from 0.03 to 0.52 parts per million (ppm) with a mean of 0.16 ppm; and (3) approximately 24 percent of all end-exhaled air samples were less than the limit of detection.

Air-purifying-respirators; Time-weighted-average-exposure; Testing-equipment; Respiration; Respirators; Respiratory-protective-equipment; Laboratory-testing; Equipment-design; Equipment-reliability; Exposure-methods; Breathing; Face-masks; Leak-detectors; Leak-prevention; Fluorocarbons; Statistical-analysis; Skin-absorption; Quantitative-analysis; Organic-vapors; Aerosol-generators; Aerosol-sampling; Aerosols

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505-2888, USA

20020301

Journal Article

2002

1-2

0892-6298

DRDS; NPPTL

Research Tools and Approaches: Control Technology and Personal Protective Equipment

Journal of the International Society for Respiratory Protection

WV