The American Industrial Hygiene Association believes the results of research on the practical, applied topics presented in their newly released white paper may significantly enhance the safe and effective use of respiratory protection.
The establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) provides a focal point for research and standard setting for new classes of respiratory protective devices. The increased demand for protection from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards; outbreaks of life threatening viruses; and new technologies for more precise characterization of aerosol particle sizes, respiratory hazards, and respirator performance are generating increased interest in this subject area.
The AIHA Respiratory Protection Committee determined this is an opportune time to consider respiratory protection research topics and priorities.
