Assessment of Commercial Alternatives to the C4 Mask For Use in Moderate to High Risk Biological Scenarios

Abstract : There are an increasing number of possible scenarios for the Canadian Forces where protection from a biological threat is required. These scenarios extend beyond the threat of biological warfare and include contingency operations, such as peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Many of the diseases we consider as potential biological warfare threats exist as endemic diseases in many parts of the world. While the Canadian Forces C4 mask would provide protection against aerosolized infectious material in these situations, the use of the mask could degrade operational performance and the degree of protection provided could be far in excess of the risk. In this study we have assessed a variety of commercially available alternatives to the C4 that could provide an appropriate degree of protection relative to the risks involved, while presenting a lower logistical and operational burden. Overall, the 3M High Efficiency Respirator with exhalation port no. 9970 appears to be an ideal alternative to the C4 in such situations.