Aerosol Filtration Requirements in Standards for Respiratory Protective Equipment

Aerosol Filtration Requirements in Standards for Respiratory Protective Equipment

Smith, Simon

Retired, Volunteer Chair, Canadian Standards Biological Aerosols Working Group
Keywords: respiratory protection, particle filtration, standards.

Topic(s): Aerosol physics, Bioaerosols and Disease, Other

Respiratory protection is widely used in workplaces for protection from airborne hazards in economically advantaged countries, where it is regulated through legislation. Under the framework of a respiratory protection programme, respirators are chosen that meet specified performance standards, and are selected and used according to standard protocols. Considerations for the filtration of aerosols is a part of respirator performance and selection standards, yet the requirements are not consistent worldwide. Furthermore, in less advantaged areas, the availability and cost of products, and absence of consistent guidance lead to gaps in effective protection and consequent immediate and long-term health outcomes.

There are multiple geographic standards domains that set performance and use requirements for respirators. Within each, there are numerous classifications of filter type. In some areas, such as USA and Japan, government authorities set standards with limited input from stakeholders and infrequent updating. Elsewhere, such as Canada and the European Union, balanced committees of volunteer stakeholders set standards that are revised every 5-10 years to accommodate developing technologies and challenges. Consequently, there are many performance criteria and test methods changing over time, contributing to confusion for users.

Knowledge of aerosol physics and filter media is critical in standards development. While broad comparisons are possible across standards, there are differences in details – aerosol type, particle size, flow rates, generation and detection methods, plus environmental pre-conditioning. Plus, the relationship between performance criteria in standards and selection of respirators for use in the workplace or by the public is often misunderstood, giving significant opportunity for user education.

Standards need to advance continually to accommodate new technologies, emerging hazards and an expanding set of applications to ensure effective respirator performance to promote user protection. New areas include standards and guidance to aid effective protection of children from urban airborne pollutants, and to address the needs of wildland firefighters in the face of increasing need. Participation of the research community is critical to the process for the advancement of health and safety of the population.