title: Release of simulated anthrax particles from disposable respirators.
abstract: A preliminary study was undertaken to evaluate the potential for a disposable respirator that has been contaminated with anthrax spores to release spores in handling after use. The release of inert particles from disposable respirators was measured for masks dropped 3 feet onto a hard surface. Ten experimental runs were conducted for each of two N95 mask types, the Moldex 2200N95 and the 3M 8210. Anthrax spores were simulated with a test aerosol of single and double 1-micron polystyrene spheres. For the Moldex mask loaded with approximately 20 million spheres on it, an average of 0.16% was released; for the 3M mask an average of 0.29% was released.
authors.affiliation: Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, UCLA School of Public Health, 650 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. okennedy@ucla.edu
authors.forename: Nola J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hinds
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D000881:Anthrax; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010316:Particle Size; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000382:microbiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013170:Spores
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols