Although the data presented may not predict actual workplace respirator performance, it illustrates the benefits of fit testing from a comparative perspective. The use of fit testing to screen workers helps to identify subjects who are wearing respirators but are not receiving a good fit. Based on the above data, it can be concluded that it is very beneficial to conduct fit testing prior to the dispensing of respirators. The benefits include the following:Workers who are fit tested receive a higher level of respirator protection. Workers who undergo fit testing are more likely to remain healthy and productive over time. Workers who are fit tested have lower health care costs. Employers' liability is reduced when workers are fit tested. REFERENCES 1. Gaboury, A., D. H. Burd, and R. S. Friar:Evaluation of field protection factors for respiratory protective equipment at an aluminum smelter. Applied Occupational Environmental Health 8(1):19-25 (1993). 2. ColtonC. E. and J. 0. Bidwell:"Comparison of High Efficiency Filter Operating Performance of Two Different Types of Half-Mask Respirators. "Paper presented at the 1995 American Industrial Hygiene Conference, Kansas City, KS, May, 1995. 3. Colton, C. E., J. 0. Bidwell, and H. E. Mullins:"Field Protection Factors for Half-Mask HEPA Respirators in Various Environments."Paper presented at the 1994 American Industrial Hygiene Conference, Anaheim, May, 1994. 4. Dixon, S.W. and T. J. Nelson:Field Protection Factors for Negative Pressure Half-Mask Respirators. J. Int'l Respiratory Protection Assn. 2(4):347-361 (1984). 5. GalvinK., S. Selvin and R. C. Spear:Variation in the protective capacity of half-mask respirators against in situ styrene exposure. American Industrial Hygiene Association J. 51:625-639 (1990). 6. Colton, C. E., A. R. Johnston, H. E. Mullins, C. R. Rhoe, and W. Myers:"A Study of Field Protection Factors for Half-Mask Dust/Fog Respirators"Presented at the 1990 American Industrial Hygiene Conference, Orlando, May 1990 7. Zhuang, Z., and W. R. Spear. and W. R. Myers:Field performance testing of half-mask respirators for paint spraying operations. American Industrial Hygiene Association J. 57:50-57 (1996). 8. nelson, T. J. and S. W. Dixon:"Asbestos respirator protection factors, Parts I and 11. "Paper presented at the 1985 American Industrial Hygiene Conference, Las Vegas, NV, May 1985. 9. Gosselink, D. W., D. P. Wilmes, and H. E. Mullins:"A Study of Field Protection Factors for Asbestos Contained in Air."Paper presented at the 1986 American Industrial Hygiene Conference, Las Vegas, May 1986. 10. Myers, W. R., Z. Zhuang, and T. Nelson:Performance testing of half-mask respirators at foundry sites. American Industrial Hygiene Association J. 57:166-174 (1996). 11. Myers, W. R. and Z Zhaung:Field performance testing of half-mask respirators in steel mills. American Industrial Hygiene Association J. 59:789-795 (1998). 12. Colton, C. E. and H. E. Mullins:"Field Protection Factors for Half-Facepiece Dust/Fog/Smoke Respirators."Paper presented at the 1992 American Industrial Hygiene Conference, Salt Lake City, May 1992. 13. Lenhart, S.W. and D.L. Campbell:Specified Protection Factors for Two Respirators Based on Workplace Performance Testing. American Occupational Health 28(2):173-182 (1984). 14. Hery, M., J. P. Meyer, M. Villa, G. Hubert, J. M. Gerber, G. Hecht, D. Franc, and J. Herrault:Determination of the field protection factor for six negative-pressure half-masks. j. international respiratory protection association 11(3):15-38 (1993). 15. Hery, M. V., G. Hubert, and P. Martin:Evaluation of respirator protection in the workplace. American Occupational Health 35(2):181-187 (1991). 16. Fergin, S. G.:Evaluation of respirator efficiency for subjects with and without beards. American Industrial Hygiene Association J. 45(8):533-537 (1984). 17.Cohen, H. J.:Determination and validation of industrial filter respirator performance. Part 1. Evaluation of the performance of disposable respirators for protection against mercury vapor. j. international respiratory protection association 2(3):296-304 (1984). 18. Colton, C. E.:Filtration masks:research support needs for fit testing. 3M Work Health Focus 17(2):1-4 (1999).
　　Note:Fit testing was not performed in references 14-17.
　　The TSI PortaCount Pro+ Fit Tester eliminates the guesswork, tedious and error-prone steps of traditional qualitative fit testing methods. When a respiratory protective mask needs to be tested for fit, it provides a quick and easy fit test that is fully compliant with OSHA standards and GB19083-2010 Technical Requirements for Medical Protective Masks, and is the only quantitative fit tester that can be used for all types of respirators, including N95 masks.