Physiological and Subjective Responses to Working in Disposable Protective Coveralls and Respirators Commonly Used by the Asbestos Abatement Industry

The physiological and subjective effects of working with different respirators while wearing lightweight disposable (Tyvek® 1412 polyclefin) coveralls commonly used by the asbestos abatement industry were studied. Nine healthy men (mean age=27.3 yr, weight=76.9 kg) each performed a series of four exercise tests with four different respirator ensembles in counterbalanced order. Treadmill work was performed at a set walking speed of 4 kph (2.5 mph), 0 percent elevation (220 kcal/hr), a controlled environmental temperature of 33.9°C, and 50% relative humidity. Each test continued up to 120 min, with repeated work/rest intervals of 26 min of work and 4 min of rest. Tyvek disposable coveralls and hoods were worn with each of these four different respirator ensembles: (1) control—a lightweight, low resistance mask; (2) HEPA—an air purifying, full facepicce respirator with dual high efficiency filters; (3) SAR—a supplied-air, pressure-demand respirator with escape filter; (4) SCBA—an open circuit, pressure-deman...