A systematic review of passing fit testing of the masks and respirators used during the COVID-19 pandemic: Part 1-quantitative fit test procedures.

Background: During respiratory infection pandemics, masks and respirators are highly sought after, especially for frontline healthcare workers and patients carrying respiratory viruses. The objective of this study was to systematically review fit test pass rates and identify factors influencing the fitting characteristics.

Methods: Potentially relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct during the COVID-19 pandemic from February 5, 2020, to March 21, 2023.

Explaining the Challenges of Coping with Coronavirus Crisis in the Workplaces: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Workplaces play a highly important role in controlling or spreading the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, the lack of proper implementation of hygienic protocols in these environments might increase the risk of getting infected with the COVID-19 among the employees, following the increase of the COVID-19 at the family and community levels. This qualitative study aims to explain the challenges of coping with the coronavirus crisis in the workplaces.

A Medical Nebulizer as a Substitute for the OSHA-Approved Nebulizer for Qualitative Fit Testing of Respirators During the Respiratory Infectious Pandemics: An Experimental Feasibility Study.

Objective: The qualitative fit testing procedure would be challenging due to severe shortages, high cost, and unavailability of commercial fit test kits in the marketplaces during pandemics of respiratory infectious diseases. Assessment of alternatives for commercial fit test kits to be prepared for emergencies is critically required. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of an alternative of the Accumed NF60 nebulizer for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-approved Allegro nebulizer.

Improvement of performance and function in respiratory protection equipment using nanomaterials.

Nanotechnology has become one of key areas for the current development and research. Nanotechnology focuses on matter at the nanoscale and is capable of using different approaches to produce nanomaterials, structures, devices, and systems. One of the concerns that have to be addressed is the adverse effects of exposure to pathogens and pollutants in different workplaces and environments.

Quantitative fit testing of filtering face-piece respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic reveals anthropometric deficits in most respirators available in Iran.

Purpose: Frontline health care workers (HCWs) must wear a standard N95 or FFP2 respirator during worldwide pandemics of respiratory diseases including COVID-19 to protect against airborne infectious pathogens when performing care activities. This study aimed to quantitatively investigate the fit of most of the common FFRs used during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

Methods: A total of 37 volunteers were fit tested in 20 selected FFRs in a randomized order.

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

To examine the fit testing of elastomeric half face-piece respirators (EHRs), a total of 41 candidates were randomly assigned into seven EHRs equipped with organic vapor (OV) cartridges which were commonly used in the Iranian industrial workplaces. The qualitative fitting into the facial dimensions was assessed using the Allegro Isoamyl Acetate fit test kit. While the studied EHRs showed very low passing fit testing rates, the 3M, AoSafety (Medium), and AoSafety (Large) had the highest passing rates with 22.

Qualitative fitting characteristics of filtering face-piece respirators on Iranian people.

To evaluate the qualitative fitting characteristics of FFRs on Iranian people. 62 participants were fit tested qualitatively by four brands of FFRs, including three imported (A, B, and C) and one domestic (D). The respirators were assigned to the participants randomly based on the Latin Square design (LSD) using the Moldex® Bitrex® Fit Test Kit.

The role of oxidative stress in pulmonary function in bakers exposed to flour dust.

. This study aimed to determine the effect of exposure to flour dust on pulmonary function and the role of oxidative stress. This case-control study was conducted on 163 bakery workers (exposed group) and 177 administrative workers (unexposed group).

Feasibility of replacing homemade solutions by commercial products for qualitative fit testing of particulate respirators: a mixed effect logistic regression study.

Qualitative fit testing is mandatory for tight-fitting respirators to ensure that the wearer fitted properly before entering a contaminated workplace. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the homemade solutions as substitution of commercial products for qualitative fit testing of particulate respirators. Two homemade solutions of Bitrex™ and saccharin were made according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.

Assessment of aloe vera for qualitative fit testing of particulate respirators: a logistic regression approach.

Fit testing procedure is required for filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) to ascertain an acceptable fit between the skin and facepiece sealing surface. The present study seeks to compare the efficacy of Aloe vera (A. vera) and commercial Bitrex as challenge agents of qualitative fit testing of particulate respirators.

Work-related musculoskeletal problems and associated factors among office workers.

. The aim of this study was to investigate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated factors among Iranian office personnel. .