COLLECTION OF THREE BACTERIAL AEROSOLS BY RESPIRATOR AND SURGICAL MASK FILTERS UNDER VARYING CONDITIONS OF FLOW AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY

摘要

A variety of respirator filters and surgical masks were challenged with three aerosolized bacteria: Mycobacterium abscessus (M.a.) (a rod), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S.e.) (a sphere), and Bacillus subtilis (B.s.) (a rod). Tests were conducted at two flow rates (45 and 85 1./min) and two humidity levels (30 and 70/100). Aerosols were measured with a total-particle, direct-reading, spectrometer and a viable particle cascade impactor. Measurements up- and downstream of the filter or mask were used in determining aerosol penetration; respirator or surgical mask fit was not evaluated.