ISRP 2002 abstract
| Presenter/author | Title | Abstract |
|
Kievit,
Olaf TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory, Chemical and Biological Protection, Physical Protection |
Bio-aerosol Filtration using Electrostatic Media |
Recent history has demonstrated that
bio-aerosols play an important role in respiratory protection.
Bio-aerosols differ from physical (non-biological) aerosols in the way
they affect people’s health.
The inhaled mass of particles determines the effect in the case of a physical toxic aerosol. In the case of bacteria and viruses the number of inhaled particles is the relevant parameter, since living organisms can multiply once they have entered the body. Electrostatically charged filtration media were tested against bio-aerosols (spores, vegetative bacteria and phages). The same media were also tested against simple physical aerosols. Comparison of the results shows that the performance of a filter against bio-aerosols can be predicted adequately from test results obtained with non-biological model aerosols, with obvious advantages. Furthermore, the electrostatically charged media was used to construct a simple bio-mask. A novel design is proposed, characterised by a high protection factor, low breathing resistance and a good fit for a wide range of facial dimensions. |