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Using respirators and goggles to control exposure to air pollutants in an anatomy laboratory
Author(s) -
AkbarKhanzadeh Farhang,
Pulido Edgar V.
Publication year - 2003
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/ajim.10180
Subject(s) - respirator , personal protective equipment , medicine , occupational exposure , eye irritation , air pollutants , toxicology , covid-19 , irritation , medical emergency , air pollution , pathology , disease , organic chemistry , infectious disease (medical specialty) , immunology , composite material , biology , chemistry , materials science
Background Engineering or administrative methods are often insufficient or impractical to control exposure to chemicals in anatomy laboratories. This study explored the feasibility of wearing one or a combination of respirators and goggles used as personal protective equipment (PPE) to control exposure in one such laboratory. Methods A group of 28 subjects were briefly trained in wearing PPE, fit‐tested, and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their subjective reaction after wearing the assigned PPE ensemble while working in the laboratory. The subjects' exposure to formaldehyde was also measured and generally exceeded the recommended limits. Results When a full‐face respirator or the combination of a half‐mask respirator and goggles was worn, a majority of subjects reported no odor problem and no irritation to eyes or upper respiratory system. Subjects accepted the PPE to certain degrees, but those using respirators encountered difficulties communicating with others. Conclusions The combination of a half‐mask respirator and goggles was the most feasible ensemble to control exposure to air pollutants in an anatomy laboratory. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:326–331, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.