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Respiratory protective devices: Rates of medical clearance and causes for work restrictions
Author(s) -
Pappas George P.,
Takaro Timothy K.,
Stover Bert,
Beaudet Nancy,
Salazar Mary,
Calcagni John,
Shoop Douglas,
Barnhart Scott
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0274(199904)35:4<390::aid-ajim10>3.0.co;2-7
Subject(s) - medicine , respirator , medical record , spirometry , medical emergency , denial , work (physics) , medical history , emergency medicine , intensive care medicine , surgery , asthma , psychology , mechanical engineering , materials science , psychoanalysis , engineering , composite material
Background There are no published data on the outcomes and benefits of medical evaluations for the use of respiratory protective devices. We, therefore, conducted a retrospective database and chart review to assess the rates of medical clearance and causes for work restrictions at a Department of Energy complex. Methods All workers with work restrictions or denied clearance over a one‐year period were identified and their medical records abstracted. Results Of the 5,569 workers who received medical evaluation, only 71 (1.3%) received limitations on respirator use documented in their medical record. Of the 65 workers with sufficient medical records for additional analysis, 9 of the 5,569 workers (0.2%) were denied medical clearance, while 56 workers (1.1%) received work restrictions. Pregnancy was the most common cause for denying medical clearance for respirator use. Lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and claustrophobia were the most common causes for work restrictions. Physical examination and spirometry added little to the detection of relevant medical conditions. Conclusions We conclude that few workers fail medical clearance for respirator use or receive work restrictions. Data on adverse events from respirator use are needed to help design appropriate medical evaluations and uniform criteria for work restrictions or denial of medical clearance. Am. J. Ind. Med. 35:390–394, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.