Evaluation of CO₂Accumulation in Respiratory Protective Devices

Abstract

A simple mathematical model was developed to grade the results of the fraction of inspiratory CO2 levels in respiratory protective devices (RPDs). Using this model, the level of FiCO2 of two chemical warfare RPDs was monitored during the examination of 54 young male volunteers at rest and exercise. No set of results distributed in a normal Gaussian mode; therefore, parametric statistics could not be used to analyze the group's results. Yet the model allowed simple and insightful evaluation of the results, stressing differences between the similar RPDs. We suggest continued use of the analysis model as a tool for quantitative evaluation of results and further understanding of the respiratory patterns of RPDs.

Carbon dioxide rebreathing in respiratory protective devices: influence of speech and work rate in full-face masks

“…These findings support research conducted by Kloos and Lamonica (1966) and Luria et al (2004) who found low work rates during RPD use was associated with CO 2 accumulation. A previous study by Luria et al (2004) attributed this to a rise in ventilation and lower dead space during higher exercise efforts.…”