Research Programs

SCSR Vision

Sensors Program

• End-of-Service-Life Indicator Project, Jay Snyder - Principal Investigator, Technology Research Branch PDF only 14 kb (2 pages)
• New Computer Program Advances Guidance on Predicting Air-Purifying Respirator or Filter Cartridge Service Life

• NIOSH announces new computer software that enables administrators of workplace respiratory-protection programs to consider the effects of relative humidity on the service life of NIOSH-approved organic vapor chemical cartridges. This software assists program administrators, in workplaces where air-purifying respirators are used, in reducing on-the-job respiratory exposures to potentially harmful organic vapors from a single volatile source, such as an individual paint, thinner, or solvent. The software resulted from research conducted by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), in conjunction with a partnership between NIOSH, LANL, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the International Safety Equipment Association, the American Chemistry Council, the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association, the National Paint Coatings Association, and the American Petroleum Institute, organized and led by ORC Worldwide. More information on the software can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-12-22-03.html. The new computer software, "Breakthrough" will be available shortly as a CD-ROM that can be ordered from NIOSH at 1-800-35-NIOSH. Downloadable copies of the software are currently available from the OSHA Web site http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/respiratory/advisor_genius_wood/breakthrough.html. For more information contact Jay Snyder at JSnyder@cdc.gov.

• Draft Document for Review and Comment: NPPTL Facial Anthropometrics Research Roadmap

• Final Report - NIOSH Contract No. 254-2005-M-11698 “Penetration of Nanoparticles through Respirator Filter Media”
  NIOSH funded a contract with the University of Minnesota to study the collection efficiency of respirator filter media for particles in the 3 -100 nm range. In this study, the researchers observed that penetration of nanoparticles through filter media decreased down to 3 nm as expected by traditional filtration theory [Pui and Kim, 2006]. No evidence for thermal rebound of nanoparticles in the size ranges studied was found. Based on these preliminary findings, NIOSH certified respirators should provide the expected levels of protection
  PDF only 402 kb (29 pages)
• Total Inward Leakage (TIL) Project Update - The objective of this project is to establish total inward leakage (TIL) laboratory test capability and performance requirements for respirator certification. PDF only 24 kb (2 pages)
• Final Report - "Respirator Filter Efficiency Testing Against Particulate and Biological Aerosols under Moderate to High Flow Rates". The report was prepared by the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center under an interagency agreement with NIOSH. It should not be considered a statement of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual who was involved. PDF only 1.44mb (186 pages)

• PROJECT HEROES: Homeland Emergency Response Operational and Equipment Systems - A review of modern fire service hazards and protection needs prepared by the International Association of Fire Fighters under contract with NIOSH. PDF only 780 kb (128 pages)
  
  
• A Review of Gaps and Limitations in Test Methods for First Responder Protective Clothing and Equipment - This report presents the results of a review aimed at identifying test methods for protective clothing for first responders, as well as identifying areas in which further research is required. Prepared by Dr. Roger L. Barker under contract with NIOSH. PDF only 752 kb (101 pages)