Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing (Mar 2022)

An Emergency Powered Air-Purifying Respirator From Local Materials and its Efficacy Against Aerosolized Nanoparticles

  • Jeff Kessel MD,
  • Christopher S. Saevig,
  • W. Cary Hill PhD,
  • Benjamin Kessel,
  • Matthew S. Hull PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580221087837
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 59

Abstract

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We describe an approach used by a rural healthcare provider to convert surgical helmets into emergency powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The approach uses common materials and efficacy was demonstrated against aerosols measuring 7 nm to 25 μm in diameter.