Effect of aerosol size distribution and measurement method on respirator fit

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5649385

Holton, P M; Willeke, K

The particle size-dependent leakage into a respirator was examined by measuring the leakage of particle sizes between 0.07 to 4.4 microns through three hole sizes in a negative-pressure half-mask respirator worn by a human subject. This investigation showed that the size distribution of an aerosol test agent and the measurement method have an effect on the leakage measured in a quantitative fit test. For instance, the ratio of percent leakage measured by light scattering between test aerosols with count median diameters of 2.2 and 0.28 microns can be as large at 5:1. Likewise, the ratio of the percent leakage measured by a particle count method vs. a mass method of detection of the same polydisperse aerosol with a count median diameter equal to 2.2 microns can be as high as 4:1. The mass leakage into a mask with a leak is also greater for an exposure aerosol with a count median diameter between 0.15 to 0.30 micron compared to exposure aerosols with larger count median diameters for aerosols with the same mass concentration.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Cincinnati, OH
• OSTI ID: 5649385
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 48:10; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMALS
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
INHALATION
INTAKE
LEAK TESTING
MAMMALS
MAN
MEASURING METHODS
PARTICLE SIZE
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
RESPIRATORS
SIZE
SOLS
TESTING
VERTEBRATES