A probability model for assessing exposure among respirator wearers: Part I--Description of the model.
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.
Nicas
M
M
Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
Spear
R C
RC
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*
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational