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. 2007 May;13(5):700-7.
doi: 10.3201/eid1305.061490.

Respirator donning in post-hurricane New Orleans

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Respirator donning in post-hurricane New Orleans

Kristin J Cummings et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 May.

Abstract

We evaluated correctness of N95 filtering facepiece respirator donning by the public in post-hurricane New Orleans, where respirators were recommended for mold remediation. We randomly selected, interviewed, and observed 538 participants, using multiple logistic regression for analysis. Only 129 (24%) participants demonstrated proper donning. Errors included nose clip not tightened (71%) and straps incorrectly placed (52%); 22% put on the respirator upside down. Factors independently associated with proper donning were as follows: ever having used a mask or respirator (odds ratio [OR] 5.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79-22.64); ever having had a respirator fit test (OR 4.40; 95% CI, 2.52-7.81); being male (OR 2.44; 95% CI, 1.50-4.03); Caucasian race (OR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.32-3.33); having a certified respirator (OR 1.99, 95% CI, 1.20-3.28); and having participated in mold clean-up (OR 1.82; 95% CI,1.00-3.41). Interventions to improve respirator donning should be considered in planning for influenza epidemics and disasters.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Noncertified masks and certified respirators. A surgical mask (upper left) and a dust mask (lower left) are examples of disposable masks that are not designed to filter small particles and that are not certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators pictured on the right (with exhalation valve, upper right; without exhalation valve, lower right) are made of material certified by NIOSH to filter 95% of 0.3-μm diameter particles and bear the NIOSH name and “N95” filter identification. The European FFP2 respirator is most analogous to the N95 filtering facepiece respirator. NIOSH also certifies more expensive reusable respirators (not pictured), which can be fitted with disposable cartridges that filter particles. Reusable respirators may cover the face from the bridge of the nose to the chin (half-face) or from the forehead to the chin (full-face).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Properly donned disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirator. To be properly donned, the respirator must be correctly oriented on the face and held in position with both straps. The straps must be correctly placed, with the upper strap high on the head and the lower strap below the ears. For persons with long hair, the lower strap should be placed under (not over) the hair. The nose clip must be tightened to avoid gaps between the respirator and the skin. Facial hair should be removed before donning. Photo used with permission.

References

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