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.