Effects Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Psychological and physical impact of wearing personal protective equipment among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are front-line warriors in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the psychological and physical effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) among HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients. This cross-sectional study utilized a validated, well-structured questionnaire consisting of 24 questions to collect information on the psychological and physical effects experienced by HCWs. The study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines for reporting. The study collected online data from 114 HCWs working in COVID-19 settings while using PPE. Among the respondents, 33% reported anxiety, 23.1% experienced apprehension after donning PPE, and 68.1% felt discomfort. Additionally, 46.2% required up to 12 hours for psychological restoration after a COVID-19 duty shift, 17.6% were worried about the risk of infection, and 28.6% were extremely worried about infecting family members while on duty. The findings highlight significant discomfort, anxiety, and apprehension among HCWs due to prolonged PPE use, reflecting the immense psychological burden of working in high-risk environments during the pandemic. These results emphasize the need for comprehensive support systems and interventions to address the multifaceted needs of HCWs, including psychological support, adequate breaks, and measures to mitigate physical discomfort.

Kinetic Considerations in the Interpretation of Biomonitoring of 1,3-Butadiene Exposure by Determination of Urinary Mercapturic Acids.

1,3-Butadiene (BD) is classified as a human carcinogen, and occupational exposure should be minimized. This study examined the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the clean-up and repair of a storage tank containing sludge contaminated with BD. A total of 66 workers participated, providing repeat urine samples before and after the shift. Overall, 1286 samples were analyzed for 1,2-dihydroxy-4-(N-acetylcysteinyl)butane (DHBMA) and the isomers 2-hydroxy-1-(N-acetylcysteinyl)-3-butene and 1-hydroxy-2-(N-acetylcysteinyl)-3-butene (MHBMA). Both DHBMA and MHBMA are urinary metabolites of BD and serve as biomarkers for recent BD exposure. Established correlations between the urinary concentrations of these biomarkers and airborne BD levels allowed for exposure assessment. However, conclusions regarding the exceedances of occupational exposure limits can vary depending on whether DHBMA or MHBMA levels are considered. This study investigated this discrepancy by estimating the apparent urinary half-lives of DHBMA and MHBMA using sequential individual post- and pre-shift samples. The results indicated that the longer urinary half-life of MHBMA (19.7 ± 3.1 h) led to its accumulation during the work week, in contrast to DHBMA, which has a shorter half-life (10.3 ± 1.9 h) and showed limited accumulation. When the kinetic information was used to adjust for the MHBMA build-up over the week, the discrepancy with DHBMA resolved, confirming that exposure limit values were not exceeded and validating the effectiveness of the PPE used. In the context of biomonitoring, this study provides valuable insights into biomarker selection based on specific objectives. MHBMA is recommended for scenarios with uncertain exposure timing and activities, whereas DHBMA is the preferred biomarker for evaluating the effectiveness of protective measures in known exposure settings.

Direct Combat-related U.S. Army Aviation Injuries 2003-2014.

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL), a partner in the Joint Trauma Analysis for the Prevention of Injury in Combat (JTAPIC) partnership, conducted a series of retrospective reviews to investigate injuries sustained by occupants of U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft involved in combat damage incidents. The reviews were conducted to provide occupant survivability information to the Aviation Survivability Development and Tactics team, an agency within the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence. For these reviews, combat damage incidents that produced casualties were separated into direct events (i.e., events in which an enemy weapon system directly injured occupants) and indirect events (i.e., incidents in which occupants were injured as a result of a crash caused by the enemy weapon system). The previous USAARL reviews provided an overview of injuries sustained during direct and indirect events. The objective of this review was to conduct a detailed analysis of injuries occurring during direct events. A descriptive retrospective review was conducted on injuries sustained by occupants of U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft involved in combat damage incidents between 2003 and 2014. All Black Hawk, Apache, and Chinook combat aviation damage incidents for the study period were reviewed. Personnel casualty information from the Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS) was linked to combat damage incident information by matching the aircraft platform, incident date, and circumstantial information found in incident narratives. Injury information for personnel identified in DCIPS as being wounded in action was obtained from the JTAPIC partnership; injury data for personnel killed in action were retrieved from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. All injuries were coded using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency and distribution of injuries to personnel involved in direct events. Overall, the extremities were the most commonly injured body regions, with lower extremities suffering more injuries than upper extremities. Penetrating injuries were identified as the primary injury mechanism for all body regions. Injuries to each AIS body region were predominantly of minor (AIS 1) and moderate (AIS 2) severity. Although injury severities were generally low (AIS 1 or AIS 2), the results of this effort indicate which body regions may benefit from additional protection during rotary-wing operations in hostile environments. The influence of occupant position within the aircraft and the use and effectiveness of personal protective equipment could not be effectively analyzed due to a lack of information.

Personal protective equipment for preventing asbestos exposure in workers.

Personal protective equipment for preventing asbestos exposure in workers.

Exploring sex differences in lung cancer risk among workers in Ontario, Canada's Occupational Disease Surveillance System

BackgroundWhile it is well-established that occupational exposures significantly contribute to the risk of developing lung cancer, there remains a notable gap in understanding the specific sex differences in lung cancer risk, particularly among female workers. This study aimed to examine sex differences in lung cancer risk across various occupations, with an emphasis on the female workforce.MethodsA cohort of approximately 2.37 million workers with lost-time compensation claims were linked to the Ontario Cancer Registry and followed until lung cancer diagnosis, age 85, emigration, death, or end of follow-up (Dec 31, 2020). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate sex-specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for lung cancer by occupational group (division, major and minor levels), adjusted for birth-year and age and indirectly adjusted for cigarette smoking.ResultsA total of 12,216 and 30,291 incident lung cancer cases were identified among females and males, respectively. Several occupations demonstrated stronger associations for lung cancer in females, with at least a 20% increased risk compared to males. These occupations at the major level include food and beverage preparation services (HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.13–1.26); materials processing (chemical, petroleum, rubber, plastic) (HR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.19–1.52); wood processing (HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.22–2.87); metal machining (HR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.21–2.00); metal shaping and forming (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.32–1.62); fabricating and assembling metal products (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.25–1.51), other construction trades (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.16–2.05), motor transport operating (HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.48–1.94), mechanic and repair work (HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04–1.85); and printing (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.30–1.75). These patterns were similar across minor level occupations.ConclusionsThis study identified sex differences across various occupations, with some occupational groups demonstrating stronger associations among female workers. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution. The observed differences may be attributed to various factors that influence risk, such as occupational exposures, use and effectiveness of personal protective equipment, and other biological or lifestyle factors.

A systematic approach to assessing the effectiveness of personal protective equipment for the skin from the effects of industrial factors

Introduction. The causes of occupational skin diseases in 40% of cases are in the absence or unsatisfactory condition of dermatological personal protective equipment. Professional protective skin care remains the main requirement of occupational safety.
 The concept of skin screening is giving way to a new approach — the restoration of its own epidermal barrier. Etiopathogenetic prevention technologies are based on inactivation of irritating chemicals and allergens, binding and neutralization of heavy and alkaline earth metal ions, as well as platinoids. The safety assessment of dermatological personal protective equipment is regulated by the state and in accordance with TR CU 019/2011 "On the safety of personal protective equipment", and the effectiveness assessment is voluntary for manufacturers.
 The study aims to develop a scheme for conducting clinical testing of evaluation of dermatological personal protective equipment for workers exposed to certain production factors.
 Materials and methods. Skin tests are a standard method of allergological diagnosis.
 In order to exclude additional sensitization that occurs when taking skin samples with a production allergen, for the reliability of detecting preclinical manifestations of sensitization, the researchers used an in vitro diagnostic method (determination of specific immunoglobulin E — Ig E). To assess the effectiveness of dermatological personal protective equipment on persons working in contact with nickel-containing compounds, the authors determined the nickel content in the blood by atomic absorption method. They evaluated the barrier function of the skin using the "Skin-o-mat" device from "Cosmomed GmbH", Germany.
 Results. The specialists proposed a scheme for conducting clinical testing of the evaluation of dermatological personal protective equipment for workers, including an assessment of the barrier function of the skin and in vitro diagnostic methods. The authors evaluated the parameters in dynamics — before and after using. This scheme makes it possible to exclude additional sensitization of employees.
 Limitations. The study is limited by the number of workers who underwent periodic medical examinations at the clinic of Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health who have contact with nickel compounds in the workplace.
 Conclusion. The etiopathogenetic clinical approbation of the evaluation of the effectiveness of dermatological personal protective equipment on workers in production conditions includes an assessment of the skin and an assessment of the barrier-protective function of the skin with the fixation of indicators. To study the effectiveness of skin protection products, an important point is the rational and reasonable selection of groups of approbants on which the study of the protective properties of these products will be carried out.
 Ethics. The authors have carried out the study in accordance with the Ethical standard set out in the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association of 1964 (with amendments and additions from 2013).

Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection before Vaccination among European Health Care Workers.

Health care workers (HCWs) were on the frontline of the current pandemic. We aimed at identifying determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the effectiveness of personal protection equipment (PPE) worn by HCWs before vaccination. We abstracted data on SARS-CoV-2 infection based on positive PCR results and sociodemographic characteristics of 38,793 HCWs from public hospitals and public health authorities from 10 European centers. We fitted cohort-specific multivariate logistic regression models to identify determinants of infection and combined the results using random-effects meta-analyses. The overall prevalence of infection before vaccination among HCWs was 9.58%. Infection was associated with the presence of selected symptoms; no association was found between sociodemographic factors and increased risk of infection. The use of PPE and particularly FFP2/FFP3 masks had a different protective effect during the first and second waves of the COVID pandemic. The study provides evidence that mask use was the most effective PPE in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs.

The effectiveness of personal protective equipment made of metallized materials when exposed to extreme levels of infrared radiation

Introduction. The results of the study of the nature of the formation of the thermal state in workers under the influence of extreme levels of the heating microclimate with multifactorial exposure against the background of heavy physical labour, justify the need to develop and experimentally evaluate a set of preventive measures. Such measures need to prevent chronic overheating, with the mandatory use by workers of modern effective personal protective equipment from infrared radiation. 
 The purpose of the study – the study of the effectiveness of personal protective equipment made of metallized materials in real production conditions, for the prevention of chronic overheating from exposure to extreme levels of infrared radiation with multifactorial exposure against the background of heavy physical labour. 
 Materials and methods. To assess the possibility of using personal protective equipment in the conditions of modern forging and pressing production, there were taken protective clothing sets made of the material OXA-440, consisting of a cotton-asbestos lining and a metallized material with an aluminum surface. In the manufacture of prototypes of workwear, the topography and the estimated area of the irradiated area of the body surface, and the moisture and air tightness of metallized materials, were taken into account. The effectiveness of personal protective equipment was evaluated with taking into account the indicators of the thermal state of the workers of the main occupations who used two sets of the specified protective clothing alternately. The thermal state of the body was studied in accordance with the guidelines of the MUK 4.3.1895-04 and the provisions of the standard GOST R ISO 9886-2008. Studies on the hygienic assessment of workwear were carried out in the cold and warm periods of the year. A questionnaire survey was conducted to subjectively assess the usability, design and protective properties of workwear made of metallized material.
 Results. The main sources of thermal radiation in the studied production are incandescent to a temperature of over 1200°C with metal forgings of various lengths and various profile configurations, which largely determine the variability in the degree of radiation intensity of the radiant energy flow at the workplaces of blacksmiths and heaters. The formed thermal state of the workers of the specified occupational groups, dressed in standard cotton workwear, during the performance of the main work operations during the first half of the working shift in the cold and warm periods of the year, is estimated as the maximum permissible, requiring a limit of working time – no more than one hour per working shift. The use of workwear made of metallized materials in the cold period of the year led to a slight improvement in the thermal condition, which allowed to prolong the time spent at the workplace to 2 hours. When using the original design of a protective suit made of a metallized material characterized by moisture – and air-tight properties and covering a large area of the body surface during the warm period of the year, no improvement in the thermal condition of the workers was observed. According to the questionnaire survey, good reflective and mechanical properties of the test material were revealed. The expressed wishes and suggestions of the workers in the areas of improving the design of workwear suggest the development of new design samples of special protective clothing made of this metallized material, taking into account these comments.
 Limitations. The chosen research method determines the limitation on the possibility of its use in relation to a specific production, characterized by the multifactorial nature of the production environment against the background of heavy physical labour and extreme levels of infrared radiation determined by the specifics of the technological process. 
 The obtained research results objectify the subject of further research – the development and evaluation of the effectiveness of new design samples of special protective clothing made of metallized materials.
 Conclusion. The results of the conducted studies have shown good reflective and mechanical properties of the new metallized materials. During the questionnaire survey, the workers expressed their wishes and suggestions for improving the design of workwear sets, which must be taken into account when creating new design samples of special protective clothing, for their subsequent use as the main means of protection when working under conditions of exposure to extreme levels of industrial infrared radiation.

Effects of personal protective equipment on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality and outcomes: A systematic review

BackgroundThe impact of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on CPR quality and patient outcomes is unclear. This systematic review aimed to examine whether wearing PPE during resuscitation affects patient outcomes, CPR quality and rescuer fatigue. MethodsIn this review registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022347746), we searched Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane library between 2000 and 2022. The inclusion criteria were studies: in actual or simulated cardiac arrest; comparing PPE with no PPE; and randomised controlled trials and observational studies with a English abstract. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias-2 and ROBINS-I tools and outcomes assessed with GRADE. We conducted a meta-analysis according to the study design. Quantitative data synthesis was done using a random-effect model incorporating the potential heterogeneity. ResultsA total of 17 simulation-based studies and 1 clinical study were included. All outcomes were judged to be very low certainty of evidence, subject to high risk of bias. The clinical study showed no difference in survival comparing enhanced and conventional PPE. Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs and 6 observational studies found no difference in CPR quality in rescuers wearing PPE compared with no PPE. Pooled rescuer fatigue was significantly worse in the PPE group (mean difference, 2.7 VAS score out of 10; 95% CI, 1.4–4.0). ConclusionsPPE was not associated with reduced CPR quality or lower cardiac arrest survival. Rescuers wearing PPE may report more fatigue. This finding was mainly derived from simulation studies, additional clinical studies are needed.

Snapshots of ID Week 2022

Snapshots of ID Week 2022

ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISKS FOR DENTISTS

Dentists can be classified as a group of specialists with a high level of occupational health risks, since their work is characterized by the presence of various harmful factors. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a decline in the quality of life, an increased level of emotional burnout and non-compliance with the rules for ensuring optimal working conditions among medical staff, as well as increased anxiety associated with uncertainty about the effectiveness of personal protective equipment and the level of risk of infection from colleagues and asymptomatic patients. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to assess the individual occupational health risks of dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic on the basis of the Republican Dental Clinic of the Udmurt Republic. Materials and research methods. Monitoring was carried out to ensure optimal working conditions for 31 dentists using a survey and assessment of their psychological status using psychodiagnostic tools (method “Diagnostics of the level of emotional burnout” by V.V. Boyko). Research results. An increased level of emotional burnout was revealed in the form of the formation of a stress phase, a high level of anxiety, as well as non-compliance with the rules for ensuring optimal working conditions for dentists in the analyzed sample. In connection with the results obtained, we consider it necessary to carry out a number of measures to optimize the working conditions of dentists, as well as increase their psychological stability and reduce anxiety. Conclusions. An increased level of emotional burnout and non-compliance with the rules for ensuring optimal working conditions for dentists in the analyzed sample were revealed. Recommendations are given on possible directions for correcting the identified shortcomings.

Specific COVID-19 risk behaviors and the preventive effect of personal protective equipment among healthcare workers in Japan.

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in healthcare facilities are a serious public health concern, we performed a case-control study to investigate the risk of COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers. We collected data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, contact behaviors, installation status of personal protective equipment, and polymerase chain reaction testing results. We also collected whole blood and assessed seropositivity using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and microneutralization assay. In total, 161 (8.5%) of 1,899 participants were seropositive between August 3 and November 13, 2020. Physical contact (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1-5.6) and aerosol-generating procedures (1.9, 1.1-3.2) were associated with seropositivity. Using goggles (0.2, 0.1-0.5) and N95 masks (0.3, 0.1-0.8) had a preventive effect. Seroprevalence was higher in the outbreak ward (18.6%) than in the COVID-19 dedicated ward (1.4%). Results showed certain specific risk behaviors of COVID-19; proper infection prevention practices reduced these risks.

Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment in Preventing Coronavirus Infection and Emerging Infectious Diseases among Central Service Technicians in Thailand

Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment in Preventing Coronavirus Infection and Emerging Infectious Diseases among Central Service Technicians in Thailand

Effect of personal protective equipment on dental anxiety of 5 to 10 year old children: An observational study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of personal protective equipment on dental anxiety in 5- to 10-year-old children in dental offices. Methods: 60 children aged 5 to 10 were randomly allocated to three study groups: CA group (colourful cartoon-printed attire, head cap, N95 mask, face shield, and hand gloves); C-PPE group (complete conventional PPE (gown, shoe covers, head cap, N95 mask, goggles, hand gloves, and face shield); and M-PPE group (modified colourful PPE (protective gown and face shield modified with cartoon pictures, shoe covers, head cap, N95 mask, goggles, hand gloves, and face shield). The child’s anxiety was assessed at baseline and after showing a photograph of a pediatric dentist in particular attire using the facial image scale. Preference for attire was later evaluated. Results: Intergroup comparison of mean anxiety scores after showing photographs in the three groups showed a statistically significant difference between the CA group and the M-PPE group (p = 0.024) and the C-PPE group and the M-PPE group (p = 0.0001). A statistically significant increase in anxiety in the C-PPE group and a decrease in the M-PPE group were observed. 88.8% of the children preferred modified PPE. Conclusion: PPE decreases non-verbal communication, affecting the rapport between a paediatric dentist and patients. But modifying it with colourful, relatable content can allay children’s anxiety.

Effects of Personal Protective Equipment on Speech Acoustics.

The transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 occurs primarily through droplets, which highlights the importance of protecting the oral, nasal, and conjunctival mucosas using personal protective equipment (PPE). The use of PPE can lead to communication difficulties between healthcare workers and patients. This study aimed to investigate changes in the acoustic parameters of speech sounds when different types of PPE are used. A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 18 healthy male and female participants. They were instructed to produce a sustained [ɑː] vowel for at least 3 s to estimate voice quality. In addition, all Turkish vowels were produced for a minimum of 200 ms. Finally, three Turkish fricative consonants ([f], [s], and [ʃ]) were produced in a consonant/vowel/consonant format with different vowel contexts within a carrier sentence. Recordings were repeated under the following conditions: no PPE, surgical mask, N99 mask, face shield, surgical mask + face shield, and N99 mask + face shield. All recordings were subjected to analysis. Frequency perturbation parameters did not show significant differences. However, in males, all vowels except [u] in the first formant (F1), except [ɔ] and [u] in the second formant (F2), except [ɛ] and [ɔ] in the third formant (F3), and only [i] in the fourth formant (F4) were significant. In females, all vowels except [i] in F1, except [u] in F2, all vowels in F3, and except [u] and [ɯ] in F4 were significant. Spectral moment values exhibited significance in both groups. The use of different types of PPE resulted in variations in speech acoustic features. These findings may be attributed to the filtering effects of PPE on specific frequencies and the potential chamber effect in front of the face. Understanding the impact of PPE on speech acoustics contributes to addressing communication challenges in healthcare settings.

Clinical characteristics of patients with snow sports trauma transported to a trauma care center: A retrospective observational study

BackgroundSnow sports are a popular recreational activity; however, the incidence of injury of snow sports can be high for skiers and snowboarders. Our hospital receives severe trauma cases from snow resorts and hospitals throughout the region. This study aimed to determine whether the risk of snow sports-related major trauma that requires emergency surgery under general anesthesia varies by the equipment and injury mechanism. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients with snow sports trauma referred to Gifu University Hospital, Japan between November 2010 and March 2020. We analyzed the need for emergency operation under general anesthesia within 24 h using Fisher's exact test. We identified 106 patients: (1) 90 in the snowboarders’ group and 16 in the skiers’ group or (2) 46 in the fall after jumping group (jumping group), 27 in the collide with other people and obstacle group (collision group), and 33 in the fall during gliding group (gliding group). ResultsSnowboarders were nearly twice as likely as skiers to require emergency surgery under general anesthesia (44% vs. 25%; p = 0.236]. No significant associations were found between emergency surgery under general anesthesia and injury mechanism, but half of the patients in the jumping group required emergency surgery. ConclusionsSnowboard as equipment and falls after jumping as a mechanism of injury tended to be associated with emergency surgery under general anesthesia, with no significant differences. In order to provide adequate resources for snow sports trauma, the cause of the patient's injury is strongly related to the urgency of the condition, and transport to a trauma center should be actively considered. Further studies are warranted with respect to the effects of personal protective equipment and skill level.

The thermal state of body when using personal protective equipment against biological factors

Introduction. The article presents the study results of the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) from biological factors on the functional state of the medical workers’ body and thermoregulatory reactions when working in the “biohazard zone” of the infectious department. Materials and methods. The study involved twenty five volunteers (doctors and paramedical staff of the infectious diseases department) performing official duties for 5 hours in the “biohazard zone” with an air temperature of 23.9 ± 1.6 ○C and a relative humidity of 39.2 ± 11.8%. Measurements were carried out before the work shift start, during and within 30 minutes after leaving the “biohazard zone” in a room with a comfortable climatic conditions. Recorded indicators were skin temperature, heat, and moisture sensations on 11 areas of the body surface, body temperature (measured in the armpit), heart rate. Based on the obtained data, there were calculated the following parameters including body surface area, average skin, and body temperature, the change in the body’s heat content for each hour of work, moisture loss, and energy consumption. Results. The use of PPE from biological factors leads to a heat and moisture exchange disorder of the human body with the environment, which is expressed in an increase in “shell” and “core” temperature, moisture loss, energy consumption, and, consequently, overheating, the appearance of uncomfortable sensations, as well as working capacity decrease. Limitations. When studying the thermal state of the body of 25 medical workers, the tension of thermoregulatory mechanisms when using biological PPE was established, depending on the type of work performed, and the severity of the labour process, gender, age, and weight. Conclusion. The obtained results showed the greatest impact on the thermal state during work duties in a comfortable climatic conditions to be exerted by the design and thermophysical properties of PPE from biological factors made of vapour resistant and airtight fabrics, as well as a long stay in the “biohazard zone” along with a high degree of psychological stress of their occupational activities.

The Effect of Face Mask, Air Temperature, and Humidity on COVID-19 Transmission: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, as well as environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity changes, were discussed due to the lack of effective medicine. Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) were implemented to conduct the present systematic review. The articles were selected from papers published by May 2020 in PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. This meta-analysis estimated relative risk (RR) and pooled mean depicted as effect size (ES) using the random or fixed effects methods. Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria, four of which addressed the effect of face masks and six of which dealt with temperature and humidity changes. This eta-analysis study showed that wearing face masks against the COVID-19 virus had a remarkable safety impact with RR (%95 CI) 8.56 (2.10 - 34.90), (I2 = %0.0 P = 0.999), and the pooled mean changes in temperature and humidity were estimated to be with ES (%95 CI) 9.03 (4.32 - 13.74), (I2 = %99.7, P < 0.0001) and with ES (%95 CI) 56.82 (46.12 - 67.51), ( I2 = %99.3, P < 0.0001) during the outbreak of the COVID-19. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis illustrate the effectiveness of face masks, in general, in preventing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. According to the findings, temperature and humidity changes do not increase the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

Personal protective equipment for preventing asbestos exposure in workers

Objectives This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the effects of personal protective equipment, including donning and doffing procedures and individual hygienic behaviour, compared to no such equipment or alternative equipment, on asbestos exposure in workers exposed to asbestos in demolition and repair work.

Splash generation and droplet dispersal in a well-designed, centralized high-level disinfection unit

Sterile processing personnel routinely decontaminate medical devices that are heavily soiled with blood, tissue, and secretions. Contamination may spread throughout processing areas, potentially exposing personnel and patient-ready devices, especially when there is insufficient separation between the dirty and clean areas. This study aimed to identify activities that generate splash, determine how far droplets travel during manual cleaning, characterize the impact of practices on splash generation, and assess effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) at preventing splash exposure to technicians and visitors in the decontamination unit. Moisture-detection paper was affixed to PPE and environmental surfaces in a new processing department designed to optimize workflow and prevent cross-contamination. Droplet generation and dispersal were assessed during manual cleaning of a colonoscope and a transvaginal ultrasound probe. Splash was generated by most activities and droplets were detected up to 7.25 feet away. Transporting wet endoscopes dispersed droplets on a 15-foot path from the sink to the automated endoscope reprocessor. Extensive droplets were detected on PPE worn by technicians at the sink and observers 3-4 feet away. Manual cleaning of devices generated substantial splash, drenching technicians and the environment with droplets that traveled more than 7 feet. Engineering controls and better PPE are needed to reduce personnel exposure and risks associated with the potential dispersal of contaminated fluids throughout the facility.