Surgical Helmets and SARS Infection

Abstract

Performance testing of two brands of surgical helmets indicated that their efficiency at in vivo filtration of sub–micrometer-sized particles is inadequate for their use as respirators. These helmets are not marketed for respiratory protection and should not be used alone for protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome when performing aerosol-generating procedures.

Keywords

• Respiratory protective devices
• severe acute respiratory syndrome
• safety
• occupational
• disease transmission
• patient-to-professional