Abstract
As a precautionary measure, it is often recommended that workers take steps to reduce their exposure to airborne nanoparticles through the use of respiratory protective devices. The purpose of this study was to provide a review and analysis of the research literature and current recommendations on respirators used for protection against nanoparticles. Key research findings were that studies with particles as small as 4 nm have shown that conventional single-fiber filtration theory can be used to describe the filtration performance of respirators and that the most penetrating particle size for respirators equipped with commonly used electrostatic filter media is in the range of 30–100 nm. Future research needs include human laboratory and workplace protection factor studies to measure the respirator total inward leakage of nanoparticles. Industrial hygienists and safety professionals should continue to use traditional respirator selection guidance for workers exposed to nanoparticles.
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Roland BerryAnn, Maryann D’Alessandro, Larry Janssen, Ziqing Zhuang, Mark Hoover, and William Newcomb are thanked for their careful review of previous drafts of this manuscript.
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Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions of this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Mention of a commercial product or trade name does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
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Shaffer, R.E., Rengasamy, S. Respiratory protection against airborne nanoparticles: a review. J Nanopart Res 11, 1661–1672 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-009-9649-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-009-9649-3