title: Respirator donning in post-hurricane New Orleans.
abstract: We evaluated correctness of N95 filtering facepiece respirator donning by the public in post-hurricane New Orleans, where respirators were recommended for mold remediation. We randomly selected, interviewed, and observed 538 participants, using multiple logistic regression for analysis. Only 129 (24%) participants demonstrated proper donning. Errors included nose clip not tightened (71%) and straps incorrectly placed (52%); 22% put on the respirator upside down. Factors independently associated with proper donning were as follows: ever having used a mask or respirator (odds ratio [OR] 5.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.79-22.64); ever having had a respirator fit test (OR 4.40; 95% CI, 2.52-7.81); being male (OR 2.44; 95% CI, 1.50-4.03); Caucasian race (OR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.32-3.33); having a certified respirator (OR 1.99, 95% CI, 1.20-3.28); and having participated in mold clean-up (OR 1.82; 95% CI,1.00-3.41). Interventions to improve respirator donning should be considered in planning for influenza epidemics and disasters.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA. cvx5@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Kristin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Cummings
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cox-Ganser
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Riggs
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kreiss
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004190:Disasters; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000517:prevention & control; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*