Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (한국산업보건학회지)

Korean Industrial Hygiene Association (한국산업보건학회)
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Usage of Filtering-facepiece Masks for Healthcare Workers and Importance of Fit Testing

보건의료종사자의 안면부여과식 마스크의 사용과 밀착도검사의 중요성

  • Han, Don-Hee (Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Inje University)
  • 한돈희 (인제대학교 보건안전공학과)
  • Received : 2015.09.08
  • Accepted : 2015.09.25
  • Published : 2015.09.30
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Abstract

Objectives: One aim of the study is to compare filtering facepiece masks for healthcare workers between Korea and other countries. The other is to emphasize the importance of fit testing for these masks using an analysis of previous research. Materials: An extensive literature review was performed by searching a number of websites and existing studies. Results: KF94 and KF99 masks certified by the Korean CDC are suitable for healthcare workers as filtering facepiece masks. The standards for these respirators are similar to FFP2 and FFP3 of EN 143 and 149. The performance, such as filtering efficiency, is almost the same between KP94 and N95. It was found that fit testing of respirators for healthcare workers was important to reduce infection risk. Conclusions: KF94 should be emphasized as filtering facepiece masks for healthcare workers rather than N95. Even though Korea has no fit testing regulations, implementing fit testing in healthcare settings is strongly recommended to decrease infection risk.

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