• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.176-186
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• 1996

The fit of a respirator to the face of an individual can be determined by a qualitative fit test (QLFT) or a quantitative fit test (QNFT). The pass/fail decision from a QLFT or QNFT for the same respirator on the same individual may vary from one wearing to the next, because the human facial features are complex and the respirator may not fit to the face in the same way every time it is worn. This study reports how the fit factors (FF) resulting from a QNFT on an individual vary from day to day and depend on the movements in the six fit test exercises. The reported FFs provide an objective and numerical basis (FF) which does not depend on the subject's voluntary or involuntary response. Four half-mask (H1-H4) and four full-facepiece respirators (F1-F4) were fit tested on one wearer 10 times a day for 5 days with a PortaCount (model 8010, TSI). The FFs obtained for each set of 10 fit tests on a specific day and 50 fit tests on five days involving one of the six exercise regimes have been recorded as log-normal distributions. All of the geometric standard deviations (GSD) of the overall FFs varied widely among every wearing and day except for H1 and F3, and the variability of the half-mask respirators was larger than that of the full-facepiece respirators. Among the six exercise regimes, reading or talking (RT) had markedly the lowest exercise FFs on the tested individual. Generally, there were significant differences between the first normal breathing (NB1) FFs and the remaining exercise FFs.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.521-530
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• 2021

Objectives: This was to examine and explore the elements of Size Korea 6th 3D head anthropometric database and to provide basic information for the selection of respirators in Korea. Methods: This was a pilot study for the first year of work in a two-year-project initiated at KOSHA in 2021. 3D head dimensions data were obtained from the Size Korea Center managing the Size Korea 6th 3D national anthropometry survey databases. The 3D head dimensions data, including 45 dimensions, were used in line with ISO standards (e.g., ISO/TS 16976-2) for examinations, comparisons, statistical analyses, etc. Results: A total of 3,088 subjects were finally determined in this study. The main features were: Male subjects were 52.5%; the highest age group was 15-29 at 36.7%; unhealthy weight group based on BMI was 31.7%; and survey area was the capital region. For the 6th 3D head dimensions data with 45 items, the means and standard deviations for 'Face length' were 115.9±7.5 cm for males and 107.3±6.9 cm for females respectively while those for 'Face width' item were not available since there was no such item in the data. Numerous findings were discussed accordingly. Conclusions: This study showed that there were likely requirements for improvements in the 6th 3D head anthropometric data as follows: Standardization of Korean and English terms; addition of head dimensions items missed in the Size Korea survey; and reliability of generalizability for subjects, suggesting that the study results can be used for further studies or improvement of respirator selection in Korea.

• 한국안전학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.47-53
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• 2018

This study compares the interrelation of fit factor(FF) and visual acuity test by the order of wearing preference between Particulate filtering face piece respirators(PFFR) and glasses for 54 participants. Glasses fitting factors is Optical Center Height(OH), Vertex Distance(VD) and Pantoscopic Angle(PA) or Visual acuity. We measured those factors and expressed by the ratio of standard point and change point. Quantitative fit factor was measured by Portacount Pro+ 8038 and compared the result of preference of wearing order between respirators and glasses. Also, we selected to 6 exercises among 8 exercises OSHA QNFT (Quantitative Fit testing) protocol to measure the fit factors. The pass/ fail criterion of FF was set at 100. Visual acuity test chart is developed by Chunsuk Han was used, Descriptive statistics was performed. Descriptive statistics(SAS ver 9.2), it is used geometric means, Wilcoxon analysis, peason correlation(P=0.05) Fit factor was increased when the respirator was worn before wearing the glasses(p=0.000) and decreased for visual acuity(p=0.000) The negative correlation was showed between OH and Overall fit factor(r=-0.409, p=0.002). Among 54 participants, 11 participants(20.3%) were worn respirator before wearing glasses and 1 participant(1.9%) was worn glasses before wearing respirator. The overall fit test showed the higher level was investigated for the group of participants wearing respirator before wearing glasses in 6 exercises. Also, overall fit factor were increased when participants wore glasses prior to respirator(16.6) to respirator prior to glasses(36.6). Visual acuity were increased when participants wore respirator prior to glasses(93.8) to glasses prior to respirator(106.0). Finally, comparison result of overall fit factor and visual acuity were glasses first choice from mask first choice. The results showed that higher overall fit factor was investigate when the participants wore the respirator prior to glassess at all. The results implied that it is important to maintain the overall fit factor and visual acuity according to the consideration of OH for glasses fitting when worker wore respirator and glasses at the same time.

• 멤브레인
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.398-408
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• 2023

본 연구는 지카바이러스, 메르스, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) 등의 감염병 방역 및 의료현장에서 사용할 수 있는 의료용 공기정화호흡기(powered air purifying respirators, PAPR)의 항균성 보호복의 후드와 필터를 개발하였다. PAPR은 전동팬 본체 및 필터, 배터리팩, 후드로 구성되며 보호복의 후드 소재는 뛰어난 흡습성, 풍압, 외부충격을 견딜 수 있는 폴리프로필렌 슐폰레이스(spunlace) 부직포 직물(SFS)을 사용하였다. 사용자의 감염위험을 낮추기 위해 후드의 외피에는 피톤치드계 물질을 사용하여 99.9%의 안티-박테리얼(antibacterial) 효과를 얻었으며 내피에는 친수가공을 하여 흡수성을 25% 향상시켰다. 의료용 보호복 후드에 필요한 인공혈액 침투저항성, 건조미생물 침투저항성, 습식세균 침투저항성, 그리고 박테리오파아지 침투저항성을 평가한 결과 2~6 단계의 합격평가를 받았다. 한편, 항균 처리된 슐폰레이스(spunlace filter, SF) 헤파 필터(high efficiency particulate air, HEPA)의 성능을 평가한 결과 우수한 항균성, 분진제거율, 차압 효과를 확인하였다.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제14권4호
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• pp.457-466
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• 2023

Background: During hot environment work tasks with whole-body enclosed anti-bioaerosol suit, the combined effect of heavy sweating and exhaled hot humid air may cause the N95 medical respirator to saturate with water/sweat (i.e., water-blocking). Methods: 32 young male subjects with different body mass indexes (BMI) in whole-body protection (N95 medical respirator + one-piece protective suit + head covering + protective face screen + gloves + shoe covers) were asked to simulate waste collecting from each isolated room in a seven-story building at 27-28℃, and the weight, inhalation resistance (R_f), and aerosol penetration of the respirator before worn and after water-blocking were analyzed. Results: All subjects reported water-blocking asphyxia of the N95 respirators within 36-67 min of the task. When water-blocking occurred, the R_f and 10-200 nm total aerosol penetration (P_t) of the respirators reached up to 1270-1810 Pa and 17.3-23.3%, respectively, which were 10 and 8 times of that before wearing. The most penetration particle size of the respirators increased from 49-65 nm before worn to 115-154 nm under water-blocking condition, and the corresponding maximum size-dependent aerosol penetration increased from 2.5-3.5% to 20-27%. With the increase of BMI, the water-blocking occurrence time firstly increased then reduced, while the R_f, P_t, and absorbed water all increased significantly. Conclusions: This study reveals respirator water-blocking and its serious negative impacts on respiratory protection. When performing moderate-to-high-load tasks with whole-body protection in a hot environment, it is recommended that respirator be replaced with a new one at least every hour to avoid water-blocking asphyxia.

• 한국환경보건학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국환경보건학회 2004년도 International Conference Current Challenges and Advances in Environmental Health
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• pp.70-70
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• 2004

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.245-253
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• 2015

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.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.71-79
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• 2020

Background: Protection from yellow dust and particulate matter is ensured by the use of respirators among the Korean citizens and workers. However, the manikins used to test the performance of the same were manufactured considering western facial specifications owing to which they do not represent Korean facial characteristics. Methods: Analysis of the data from the 6th 3D anthropometric survey of Koreans (Size Korea; 2010-2013) of 4,583 people aged 7 to 69 years was performed to obtain their facial dimensions. We subsequently clustered 44 facial measurements using Design X software, followed by the creation of the cluster centroid. Results: Three 3D head forms were developed-small, medium, and large, and their images were stored in ".stl" format for 3D printing. The facial widths and lengths of the three head forms were 127.1 mm × 90.6 mm, 143.2 mm × 104.0 mm, and 149.1 mm × 120.2 mm, respectively. Conclusion: We developed manikin head forms according to the facial dimensions of the Korean population, which was essential in evaluating respiratory protective equipment. These head forms can be used to test the performance of respirators considering the facial dimensions of the Korean population.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.500-506
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• 2022

This study evaluated the consistency between two quantitative fit test devices with different methods of ambient aerosol counting. Three types of respirators (N95, half mask, and full facepiece) were worn by 50 participants (male, n = 25; female, n = 25), PortaCount (Pro+ 8038) and MT (05U) were connected to one probe to one mask, and fit factors (FFs) were measured simultaneously with the original and modified protocols. As a result of comparing MT FFs with PortaCount FFs as references and by applying for the pass/fail criteria (FF = 100), the consistency between the two devices for half masks and full facepieces was very high. N95 was somewhat weaker than the two type of respirators in the consistency; however, the correlation between the two devices was very strong (p < 0.0001). The results showed that an FF of 100 as measured by PortaCount was likely to be measured as 75 by the MT. Therefore, when performing the fit test for N95 using the MT and pass level of FF 100, a certain level of adjustment is necessary, whether end-user or putting a scaling factor by manufacturer.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.395-402
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• 2023

Objectives: Microbial contamination of face masks used by healthcare professionals can vary depending on the degree of exposure to bioaerosols in various healthcare environments. However, research on this topic is limited. Therefore, we analyzed microbial contamination of N95 respirators used in hospital offices, wards, and outpatient settings. Methods: Samples isolated from N95 respirators worn for 2, 4, and 6 hours were incubated at a temperature of 35-37℃ or 25-28℃ for 24 hours or for 3-7 days, and colony-forming units were counted in chocolate agar, tryptic soy agar, and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Total indoor airborne bacteria were also measured in the healthcare environments. Finally, microbial species were identified using Gram staining with a microscopic speculum. Results: The three types of environments did not deviate from the maintenance of standard indoor air quality. There was no difference between the microbial species identified in the healthcare environment and mask contamination. However, the number of bacteria in the masks worn in each environment differed, and the degree of contamination increased with mask-wearing time (p<0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, care must be taken to avoid recontamination of masks due to improper use and exposure to biological hazards in healthcare environments. In conclusion, scientific evidence is necessary for safe mask-wearing times. Based on the results of this study, we hope to conduct further research to establish guidelines for the safe use of face masks during respiratory disease epidemics.