American journal of industrial medicine
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Comparative Study
In vivo protective performance of N95 respirator and surgical facemask.
The SARS outbreak in 2003 has spawned a major controversy concerning protective performance facemasks for healthcare workers. This study reports a study on in-vivo protective performance of surgical masks and N95 respirators. ⋯ Surgical masks can provide in-vivo filtration protection of 95% filtration efficiency. N95 respirators provide higher in-vivo filtration efficiency of 97% with significant reduction of air permeability and water vapor permeability. Compared to normal surgical masks/respirators, the nano-masks can provide additional protective functions in stopping capillary diffusion and antibacterial activities.
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Assessments of the impact of occupational amputations with outcomes of pain, disfigurement, and often an inability to return to the same job, are limited. The present study examines and quantifies the rates, risk factors, and costs of occupational amputations in the workplace in the State of Kentucky. ⋯ Workplace amputations remain a significant workplace concern and represent a particular hazard for those in the mining and manufacturing industries. Future research should examine causes of the weekend effect to develop human resource and safety interventions for risk reduction.