Effect of facial hair on the face seal of negative-pressure respirators
Journal Article
·
· Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)
The effect of facial hair on the face seal of negative-pressure respirators, both half-masks and full facepieces, has been investigated. 370 male employees were fit tested both qualitatively and quantitatively. Of these, 67 had fully established beards. Bearded subjects consistently failed the qualitative fit test protocol. With half-mask respirators, an average 246-fold drop in protection was experienced by bearded employees in comparison with clean-shaven subjects; for full facepiece respirators, at least a 330-fold drop in protection was experienced by bearded employees. The presence of a beard greatly increases the leakage through the respirator face seal.
- OSTI ID:
- 6776824
- Journal Information:
- Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 45:1; ISSN AIHAA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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