NCJ Number
189712
Editor(s)
John M. Dower,
Richard W. Metzler,
Frank M. Palya,
Jeff A. Peterson,
Molly Pickett-Harner
Date Published
February 2000
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This document summarizes a workshop on respiratory protections for emergency response workers after an attack using biological or chemical weapons.
Abstract
The workshop was co-sponsored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) with the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Those who respond to a biological or chemical incident need to be protected and the level of protection needed will vary. Participants included firefighters, equipment manufacturers, Federal researchers, and State and Federal regulatory officials. More research, guidelines, and standards are needed in exposure limits and technology for assessing chemical and biological concentrations of response scenarios; improved chemical and biological detection and monitoring capabilities; reliable information with which to define acute vs. chronic doses and their immediate and long-term health effects; and applicability of military data. Responders need NIOSH certification of air-purifying respirators (APR), powered air-purifying respirators (PARP), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and personal protective equipment (PPE); training assistance with PPE and respirator selection in domestic preparedness-planning; alternatives to SCBA for certain threat scenarios; assurance that SCBA will survive exposure to chemical agents; implementation of DOD respirator standards, tests, and qualification requirements where applicable; identification of appropriate cartridge/canister performance tests; and relevant protection factor protocols and valid assigned protection factor assessment methods. Federal agencies will continue to cooperate and work with partners to investigate the funding and collaborations needed to develop certification standards for chemical/biological respiratory equipment. Appendices