What is the risk of inhaling biological particles that have been collected by the respirator filter?
The risk of inhaling particles that have been collected by the filter is very low, particularly in very clean areas (such as a patient care setting or a home). When particles are collected on a filter they are strongly held to the filter. Breathing through a filter has not been shown to dislodge the particles collected in that filter. However, it is important to understand that proper use of respirators only reduces your exposure to particles and does not prevent exposure. Just because particles may not reaerosolize, does not mean that a respirator can be reused. The CDC has said that it is possible that the virus that causes SARS is spread through touching contaminated objects. Until the spread of the SARS virus is better understood, respirators worn in contaminated areas should be handled gently and disposed of after use according to the facility’s policy for isolation precaution. The CDC and Health Canada have recommended that healthcare workers implement standard, contact and airbo
