title: A probability model for assessing exposure among respirator wearers: Part I--Description of the model.
abstract: The basic respirator equation states that the contaminant level inside a respirator (CI) is the product of the contaminant level outside the respirator (CO) and the decimal fraction penetration (P). On the basis of this relation, the authors present a probability model for the lognormal total distribution of CI levels among a respirator-wearing population; the model accounts for between-wearer and within-wearer variability in both CO levels and P values. The assumptions underlying the model are shown to be consistent with current knowledge about the variability in CO levels and P values. The model provides the basis for assessing the probability of overexposure to acute toxicants and to chronic toxicants among a respirator-wearing population.
authors.affiliation: Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nicas
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Spear
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015233:Models, Statistical; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational