Respiratory Protection for Avian Flu Situations
Richard W. Metzler1 and Natalie Gaydos2
1 The S.E.A. Group, 810 Longvue Drive, Houston, PA 15342
Email: richard.metzler@theseagroup.com
2 EG&G Technical Services Inc., 800 Regis Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
With the threat of the avian flu, many public, private and governmental organizations are planning and preparing for a world-wide pandemic. Included in the planning is respiratory protection. Heath care workers, public service employees and the general public all have the potential need to wear respiratory protection in an avian flu situation. But which type of respirator is appropriate for the different scenarios that may be encountered? This discussion will outline the various types of respirators and surgical masks that are recommended by several different entities, including WHO, CDC and NIOSH for protection against the virus that causes avian flu. In addition, the discussion will review which respirator or surgical mask is worn for defined tasks.