Advancements in Respiratory Protection: Evaluating the Efficacy of N95 Respirators in Healthcare Settings

Kimberly Long Holt

doi:10.55927/fjst.v4i9.243

Authors

Kimberly Long Holt Health and Safety Concepts

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v4i9.243

Keywords:

N95 Respirators, Healthcare Workers, Filtration Efficiency, Respiratory Protection, COVID-19

Abstract

The importance of appropriate respiratory protection in the healthcare setting has become apparent due to the health-related consequences of the world. This study is associated with N95 respirators, including, respirator filtration efficiency, respirator fit testing, and the challenges associated with using N95 respirators to protect against airborne pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. While randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses show that properly fit N95 respirators have filtration efficiency greater than 95-98% for particles 0.3 microns and above, and after decontamination, pass rates in healthcare facilities after decontamination range from 68% to 89% due to several key factors - donning method, integrity of seals, and retention of electrostatic charge. Data should be available to inform respiratory protection controls and demonstrate that N95 respirators will continue to be effective against infection in the context of the strategy.

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