Measuring the effects of respiratory protective equipment and other protectors in preventing the scattering of vocalization droplets

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  • HIGASHI Hidenori
    Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
  • OYABU Takako
    Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
  • NAGANO Chikage
    Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
  • KITAMURA Hiroko
    Occupational Health Training Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
  • KAWANAMI Shoko
    Occupational Health Training Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
  • SAITO Mitsumasa
    Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
  • HORIE Seichi
    Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan

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Abstract

<p>This study was conducted to quantitatively examine the effects of respiratory protective equipment (respirators) and various other types of protectors in preventing the scattering of vocalization droplets. Each of 12 adult male volunteers was asked to vocalize intermittently for 1 min at a target intensity of approximately 100 dBA in an experimental room adjusted to a humidity of approximately 60–70%. The subjects vocalized while wearing respirators, other types of protectors, or no protectors at all. The droplet concentration in a particle size range of 0.3 to 10 μm was measured under each experimental condition, and the transmitted particle concentration and penetration were calculated. The concentration and penetration of particles transmitted from the respirators were lower than those transmitted from the other protectors examined. The probability of infection reduction through the use of the protectors was estimated from the data obtained on the effectiveness of the protectors in preventing the scattering of droplets. We concluded that there is no need for additional droplet scattering prevention in various work settings when appropriate respirators are used under optimal conditions.</p>

Journal

  • Industrial Health

    Industrial Health 61 (6), 432-445, 2023

    National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

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