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http://dx.doi.org/10.15269/JKSOEH.2015.25.3.245

Usage of Filtering-facepiece Masks for Healthcare Workers and Importance of Fit Testing  

Han, Don-Hee (Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Inje University)
Publication Information
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene / v.25, no.3, 2015 , pp. 245-253 More about this Journal
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.
Keywords
Filtering facepiece mask; Healthcare worker; KF94; KF99; N95;
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