Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak
Abstract Background In this paper, the authors review the safety and practicality of elastomeric respirators for protecting themselves and others from the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. They also describe the safe donning and doffing procedures for this protective gear. Main text Due to the shortage...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2020-07-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Emergency Medicine |
| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12245-020-00296-8 |
| _version_ | 1818275594298720256 |
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| author | James Chiang Andrew Hanna David Lebowitz Latha Ganti |
| author_facet | James Chiang Andrew Hanna David Lebowitz Latha Ganti |
| author_sort | James Chiang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In this paper, the authors review the safety and practicality of elastomeric respirators for protecting themselves and others from the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. They also describe the safe donning and doffing procedures for this protective gear. Main text Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), the CDC has recommended ways to conserve disposable N95 masks, including re-use and extended use, and reserving N95 masks for aerosol-generating procedures. However, these were never made to be re-used. Although the modes of transmission of COVID-19 are not fully understood, based on what we know about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), droplets and aerosolized droplets contribute to the spread of this virus. More evidence from Wuhan, China, has demonstrated that COVID-19 viral particles are aerosolized and found in higher concentrations in rooms where PPE is being removed. Thus, it is best for all healthcare providers to have full aerosol protection. Conclusion Given the shortage of PPE for aerosols, it is logical to utilize reusable elastomeric respirators with filter efficiency of 95% or higher. A single elastomeric respirator may replace hundreds to thousands of new disposable N95 masks. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-12T22:32:14Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c3bf1a17dad749d2b719c306c6c9eaf4 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1865-1372 1865-1380 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-12T22:32:14Z |
| publishDate | 2020-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Emergency Medicine |
| spelling | doaj.art-c3bf1a17dad749d2b719c306c6c9eaf42022-12-22T00:09:34ZengBMCInternational Journal of Emergency Medicine1865-13721865-13802020-07-011311510.1186/s12245-020-00296-8Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreakJames Chiang0Andrew Hanna1David Lebowitz2Latha Ganti3HCA Healthcare University of Central Florida Emergency Medicine Residency Program of Greater OrlandoHCA Healthcare University of Central Florida Emergency Medicine Residency Program of Greater OrlandoHCA Healthcare University of Central Florida Emergency Medicine Residency Program of Greater OrlandoHCA Healthcare University of Central Florida Emergency Medicine Residency Program of Greater OrlandoAbstract Background In this paper, the authors review the safety and practicality of elastomeric respirators for protecting themselves and others from the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. They also describe the safe donning and doffing procedures for this protective gear. Main text Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), the CDC has recommended ways to conserve disposable N95 masks, including re-use and extended use, and reserving N95 masks for aerosol-generating procedures. However, these were never made to be re-used. Although the modes of transmission of COVID-19 are not fully understood, based on what we know about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), droplets and aerosolized droplets contribute to the spread of this virus. More evidence from Wuhan, China, has demonstrated that COVID-19 viral particles are aerosolized and found in higher concentrations in rooms where PPE is being removed. Thus, it is best for all healthcare providers to have full aerosol protection. Conclusion Given the shortage of PPE for aerosols, it is logical to utilize reusable elastomeric respirators with filter efficiency of 95% or higher. A single elastomeric respirator may replace hundreds to thousands of new disposable N95 masks.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12245-020-00296-8 |
| spellingShingle | James Chiang Andrew Hanna David Lebowitz Latha Ganti Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak International Journal of Emergency Medicine |
| title | Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak |
| title_full | Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak |
| title_fullStr | Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak |
| title_full_unstemmed | Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak |
| title_short | Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak |
| title_sort | elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to disposable n95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12245-020-00296-8 |
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