Respirators with beards

["Paul R. Steinmeyer" <prstein@gyral.com>]

I'm looking for any information anyone might have on the following
respirator-related issues:

1. Studies which show that facial hair, particularly bushy beards, degrades the
seal of face-sealing respirators;

2. Studies or articles that refute the notion that petroleum jelly or similar
substances applied to a beard will improve the seal;

3. Studies or experience which show that a pressure-demand SCBA does not work
properly if the wearer has a full beard.  One article I'm aware of is DaRoza,
R.A., C.A. Cadena-Fix and J.E. Kramer.  "The Effect of Beard Growth on
Respiratory Protection: SCBAs and Air Purifying Respirators under Simulated Work
Conditions."  Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 1986.  Presented at the
American Industrial Hygiene Conference, 1987.  Unfortunately it shows that there
was no significant degradation of protection with up to 2 months' beard growth.

4. Studies or experience which show that air escaping from around the face seal
in a poorly fitting facepiece in an open-circuit SCBA will induce eddy currents
at the seal and allow infiltration of contaminants.

Many thanks in advance for any help.

Please reply to:
K. Paul Steinmeyer
kpstein@gyral.com



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