Impact of personal protective equipment on wearer's health indicators using multi-parameter physiological monitoring

Abstract

Previous studies have primarily focused on thermal discomfort-related problems arising from wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in hot environments. However, PPE is also extensively utilized under comfortable thermal conditions, where health-related problems may become particularly important due to hypoxia and inhalation of self-emitted bio-effluents. To evaluate the impact of wearing PPE on the health outcomes of individuals under comfortable thermal conditions, ten physiological parameters were measured under three conditions (sitting without PPE, sitting with PPE, and walking with PPE). Under light intensity activity, wearing PPE significantly increased end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (17.9 ± 6.3 mm Hg vs 22.0 ± 5.7 mm Hg, P < 0.001) when compared to wearing no PPE, while negligible (although statistically significant) changes were observed for tympanic membrane temperature and blood oxygen saturation. It did not affect significantly respiratory frequency (RF), inspiratory carbon dioxide pressure (PICO2), heart rate (HR), pulse rate (PR), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and potential of ST-segment (ST) in electrocardiogram. It suggests that short-term PPE use is safe under comfortable conditions. The physiological parameters of PPE wearers were more affected by the increase in activity intensity than the presence of PPE. Larger body mass index was associated with decreased RF and increased PICO2. Higher age was associated with increased HR and PR and decreased ST. Males had a lower SpO2 but a higher SBP. The data obtained improves our understanding of the health outcomes associated with wearing PPE and assists in improving PPE, thus contributing to better occupational health.