Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak

International Journal of Emergency Medicine
James ChiangLatha Ganti

Abstract

In this paper, the authors review the safety and practicality of elastomeric respirators for protecting themselves and others from the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. They also describe the safe donning and doffing procedures for this protective gear. Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), the CDC has recommended ways to conserve disposable N95 masks, including re-use and extended use, and reserving N95 masks for aerosol-generating procedures. However, these were never made to be re-used. Although the modes of transmission of COVID-19 are not fully understood, based on what we know about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), droplets and aerosolized droplets contribute to the spread of this virus. More evidence from Wuhan, China, has demonstrated that COVID-19 viral particles are aerosolized and found in higher concentrations in rooms where PPE is being removed. Thus, it is best for all healthcare providers to have full aerosol protection. Given the shortage of PPE for aerosols, it is logical to utilize reusable elastomeric respirators with filter efficiency of 95% or higher. A single elastomeric respirator may replace hundreds to thousands of new disposable N9...Continue Reading

References

Jul 22, 2006·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·Robert B LawrenceChristopher C Coffey
May 3, 2007·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·Matthew G DulingChristopher C Coffey
Nov 5, 2008·Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology : the Official Journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America·M C LeeA M Joffe
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May 21, 2017·American Journal of Infection Control·Lorna K P SuenMargaret O'Donoghue

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Citations

Nov 12, 2020·Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical·Cristiane Ravagnani FortalezaCarlos Magno Castelo Branco Fortaleza

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