Correlation of Qualitative and Quantitative Results from Testing Respirator Fit

Abstract

Three qualitative respirator fit tests were evaluated for their ability to adequately measure respiratory protection. The evaluated methods were the negative pressure test, the isoamyl acetate test, and the irritant smoke test. Each test was performed concurrently with a single quantitative fit test, the dioctylphthalate (DOP) test, during 274 half-mask and 274 full facepiece wearings. The quantitative values of DOP penetration obtained after passing or failing each qualitative fit test were lognormally distributed. For each qualitative test performed on each mask type, the average log penetration values obtained after passing and failing each test were statistically different from each other. The mean of the log penetration values associated with the failed qualitative test was always larger than the mean of the log penetration values associated with passed qualitative tests for all three qualitative methods. Most (95%) of the tested study had adequately fitting respirators as determined by quantitative testing. Of these subjects, 96% to 100% passed the qualitative fit tests. Of the 5% of the study subjects with inadequately fitting half mask respirators, 93% to 100% of the inadequate fits were detected by qualitative methods. Twenty three to 46% of the poorly fitting full face masks were detected by qualitative methods. The probability of passing or failing a qualitative test with an inadequately fitting respirator can be estimated; however, the uncertainty associated with each estimate is large due to the small number of study subjects with poorly fitting respirators.

Qualitative fitting characteristics of elastomeric half face-piece respirators using Isoamyl acetate agent

“…In contrast, the study by Hardis et al and Nelson et al 26 , 32 ) , showed that most of the American subjects passed the IAA fit tests. Meanwhile, Skretvedt et al stated that 98% of the clean-shaven subjects passed the IAA fit tests; however, the bearded subjects were considerably more at risk than the clean-shaven ones 33 ) .…”

Performing Qualitative Mask Fit Testing without a Commercial Kit: Fit Testing Which can be Performed at Home and at Work

“…Three testers underwent quantitative fit tests to assess the fit of the masks on their face before assessing qualitative fit methods. Quantitative fit testing, which measures the number of particles inside and outside of a face mask, is a highly accurate means of measuring fit and is more accurate than qualitative fit testing 6,8 . Results from the quantitative fit tests were used to determine what sensation (taste vs no taste) would be considered the correct response in the qualitative fit testing.…”

Performing Qualitative Mask Fit Testing Without a Commercial Kit: Fit Testing Which Can Be Performed at Home and at Work

“…Quantitative fit testing, which measures the number of particles inside and outside of a face mask, is a highly accurate means of measuring fit and is more accurate than qualitative fit testing. 6,8 Results from the quantitative fit tests were used to determine what sensation (taste vs no taste) would be considered the correct response in the qualitative fit testing. Quantitative fit tests were conducted with a Portacount 8038þ using OSHA protocol 29CFR1910.134 and the settings that allow the testing of N95 masks.…”