Study on protective effect of dust mask for workers exposed to super absorbent polymer dust

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the protective effect of dust masks worn by super absorbent polymer (SAP) dust-exposed workers and the influence of each test exercise on the protective effect of mask. Methods: In March 2017, forty nine SAP dust-exposed workers in a large chemical enterprise were selected as subjects. The respirator fitness tester was used to test the protective effect of dust mask before and after training, and the influence of each test exercise on the protective effect of dust mask was analyzed. Results: After training, the qualified rate of dust mask protective effect of SAP dust-exposed workers was 95.92% (47/49) , which was significantly higher than that before training [63.31% (32/49) ], and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=14.69, P<0.01) . When the total protective effect was qualified, the fit factor (FF) decreased significantly when speaking aloud and bending down (Z=-2.59, -4.20, P<0.01) . The qualified rates of protective effect of each exercise were significantly different (χ2=42.70, P<0.01) , among which the qualified rates of deep breath was the highest (100.00%) , and the qualified rate of bending down was the lowest (70.21%) . Conclusion: Strengthening the training of workers to wear masks correctly is helpful to improve their respiratory protection efficiency. Under the condition that the total protective effect of dust masks is qualified, workers should try to avoid unnecessary actions, especially speaking aloud and bending down frequently.