Analysis of Respirator Cartridges and Filters as a Determination of Occupation Exposure

This research attempted to determine occupational exposure from the amount of contaminant deposited on respirator cartridges. The flowrate through the respirator was estimated by existing ergonomic and respiratory ventilation models. The respirator concentrations were compared with simultaneous breathing zone air samples. A respiration flow model was modified into 18 different variations depending on 1) the increase in oxygen required per increase in workload; 2) estimate of total ergonomic workload; and 3) the basal oxygen exceeded the calculated maximum possible flowrate. Of the 18 models only 5 were acceptable. Dust/mist respirator results were 1.5 to 2.2 times less than the breathing zone samples. Respirator cartridge organic vapor constituents were 1.0 to 2.5 times less than the charcoal tube values. The models appear to overestimate the actual flow, although factors such as mask leakage, faceshield blocking, sensitivity of filter pads to relative humidity, and differences in analytical sensitivities made quantitative conclusions unreliable. The results of organic vapor respirator cartridges did show countenance for this procedure in screening workplace exposures or estimating a respirator workplace protection factor.Master of Science in Environmental Engineerin