Background
Since the emergence of serious acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS CoV 2), healthcare professionals are at constant risk of
contracting the virus during their daily work. The primary route of
transmission of SARS CoV 2 is via aerosol droplets1,
making the N95 (or FFP2) respirator an essential part of healthcare
professionals’ personal protective equipment (PPE). The N95/FFP2
respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very
close facial fit and filtration of greater than 95% of airborne
particles greater than 0.3 microns. By comparison, the loose-fitting
surgical mask used by patients and in non-high-risk medical environments
creates a physical barrier to reduce the distance of spread of aerosol
droplets in the immediate environment.
The effectiveness of N95 respirators and facial masks in reducing
transmission of SARS CoV 2 has been demonstrated in a number of clinical
studies and meta-analysis2-4, and therefore healthcare
workers internationally are mandated to wear masks during their usual
daily work with patients. Prolonged mask use has been shown to be
associated with various symptoms, including headache5,
dizziness, facial dermatological symptoms6, as well as
other interferences with occupational duties7.
However, research examining potential physiologic impacts of N95
respirators during long work shifts of healthcare workers has been
limited. The objective of the current study was to determine gas
exchange abnormalities and physiological changes among healthcare
workers during a 4-hour emergency department (ED) shift while wearing
the N95 respirator.