Inward Leakage in Tight-Fitting PAPRs
Author Information
Author(s): Frank C. Koh, Arthur T. Johnson, Timothy E. Rehak
Primary Institution: University of Maryland
Hypothesis
Is the protection afforded by tight-fitting PAPR wear as good as it would seem?
Conclusion
The study found that while tight-fitting PAPRs do not exclude all contaminated air, the amounts leaked are extremely small and do not reach the mouth of the wearer.
Supporting Evidence
- The study demonstrated that tight-fitting PAPRs do not exclude all contaminated air from the facepiece.
- Leakage amounts in respirators are important, but the health and safety of the wearer are of primary importance.
- The lack of fog seen at the mouth indicated that the wearer would have been protected adequately for contaminants acting similar to the fog.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well special masks keep out bad air. It found that even if a little bad air gets in, it doesn't reach the wearer's mouth, so they're still safe.
Methodology
The study used local flow measurement techniques and fog flow visualization to determine inward leakage in two types of tight-fitting PAPRs.
Limitations
The study could not visualize leakage pathways due to the opaque facepieces of the PAPRs.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website