SHEA responds to CDC on H1N1 Oct 15, 2009
CDC emphasizes a multipronged approach to protecting healthcare workers from H1N1, including priority use of N95 fit-tested respirators. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) had urged CDC, based on clinical experience and scientific evidence, to remove the use of N95 respirators from its recommendations for routine care in favor of the first-line use of surgical masks, as one component of a cadre of prevention measures ... Instead, N95 respirators should be reserved for... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Critical Illness From 2009 H1N1 In Mexico Associated With High Fatality Rate Oct 15, 2009
1, 2009) Surgical masks appear to be no worse than, and nearly as effective as N95 respirators in preventing influenza in health care workers, according to a new. . (Science Daily)
NYT: Areas hit by swine flu in spring see little now Oct 9, 2009
As of Monday, seven pregnant women were on respirators in Arkansas hospitals, officials said. Were hearing from doctors and clinics across the state that theyre swamped, said Ann Wright, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas Department of Health. (MSNBC -- Health)
Man with breast cancer blames Marine base Oct 9, 2009
At no time were the security guards offered protective clothing, masks or respirators, Powell said. After a few weeks, several soldiers began getting lesions on their hands, arms, faces and nostrils. (CNN -- Health)
OSHA proposes Frit fines Oct 9, 2009
Two other-than-serious citations with a $1,400 proposed penalty are being issued to the company for recordkeeping deficiencies and not properly storing air-supplied air respirators after usage. The other-than-serious violations refer to those that have a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm. (Brewton Standard, AL)
In Some Cities, Spring Swine Flu May Be Easing Fall Outbreak Oct 9, 2009
In Arkansas, seven pregnant women were in hospitals on respirators, the Times reported. In addition, about half the children seen in the emergency room at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock have flu-like symptoms, which is almost double the usual number for this time of year Craig H. Gilliam, the hospital's director of infection control, told the Times. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Safety Specialist Oct 7, 2009
Checks for the proper use of safety equipment such as: safety glasses, goggles, respirators and other protective clothing/equipment. 7. (Florida Today)
Swine flu vaccine starts shipping Tuesday: Should you get it? Oct 4, 2009
It can leave people hospitalized and on respirators for weeks, and take months or years to completely subside. In normal times, the background rate for Guillain-Barre Syndrome is about 1 person in 100,000, said Dr. Claudia Vellozzi, acting deputy director of the CDC's immunization safety office. (The Palm Beach Post)
Surgical masks and N95 respirators provide similar protection against influenza Oct 2, 2009
Hamilton, ON (October 1, 2009) A McMaster University study has found that surgical masks appear to be as good as N95 respirators in protecting health-care workers against influenza. The research, published online today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), concluded that surgical masks have an estimated effectiveness within one per cent of N95 respirators, and are not associated with an increased rate of infection of influenza or other respiratory viruses ... "Given the... (EurekAlert!)
Children Need Seasonal Flu Vaccine, Experts Say Oct 2, 2009
Meanwhile, a new study published early in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that surgical masks are just as effective as respirators at protecting hospital personnel from infection with the flu ... "Surgical masks had an estimated efficacy within 1 percent of N95 respirators," the study authors wrote, adding that the finding could be significant because respirators could be in short supply during a pandemic. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Two Dallas women suing neighbor for smoking in own home... Oct 1, 2009
JOHN F. RHODES / DMN Cary Daniel and her mother Chris Daniel no longer live in the townhome, and said they need to wear respirators and goggles when they return to the townhome to retreive their belongings. Until now. (The Drudge Report)
Anti-germ spray infiltrates retail Sep 30, 2009
In addition to MyClyns, it sells disposable respirators for the EMS, law enforcement, corrections and military markets. The company does not intend to stop with the two products on the market now, said Jack Wyant, managing director of Blue Chip. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Nurses fight mandatory flu vaccinations Sep 24, 2009
They have called the regulation a scorched earth policy and feel that the better approach would be to ensure that other effective infection control policies and procedures be followed, including the use of isolation rooms for infected patients and the use of respirators by healthcare workers. Beck went one further and suggested that limiting visitors to hospitals might also work to stem the virus. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Do N95 Masks Protect Against the H1... Sep 20, 2009
Who Should be Wearing N95 Respirators to Prevent the Swine Flu ... Who Should be Wearing N95 Respirators to Prevent the Swine Flu ... There is difference of opinion regarding the effectiveness of N95 respirators and masks in providing protection against the Novel H1N1 Flu Virus. (Suite101.com)
• During swine flu season, think before you share a drink Sep 20, 2009
More than 550 people have died in the U.S. And unlike in seasonal flu outbreaks, where 90 percent of the 36,000-some people who die every year are elderly, the ones dying or on respirators are children. Health officials believe that people who were alive in the 1950s must have been exposed to a similar virus and developed antibodies that are helping them fight off this new flu virus. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Guidelines on Proper Use of N95 Mas... Sep 20, 2009
Guidelines on Proper Use of N95 Masks in H1N1: How to Test, Wear, Fit Check, Store and Discard the N95 Respirators ... How to Test, Wear, Fit Check, Store and Discard the N95 Respirators ... Training on the proper use of N95 respirators is essential to obtain the maximum protection against the H1N1 flu. (Suite101.com)
When to Wear the N95 Masks to Preve... Sep 20, 2009
Is it Necessary to Use the N 95 Respirators in Public Places ... Is it Necessary to Use the N 95 Respirators in Public Places ... The Center for Disease Control has come out with specific recommendations regarding how and when to wear the N95 respirators and masks. (Suite101.com)
FAQ on the N95 Respirator Uses and ... Sep 20, 2009
Frequently asked questions on the uses and limitations of the N95 respirators and masks are discussed in this article. There are some individuals in whom the use of N95 respirators are contraindicated, even if they are in immediate danger of contracting infectious diseases like the H1N1 flu ... And, there are also others who cannot wear the N95 respirators and masks. (Suite101.com)
Surgical masks don't offer protection against flu for doctors Sep 17, 2009
The study by University of New South Wales (UNSW), which compared the efficiency of various masks, found that specialised respirators (N95 masks) offer the best protection to health workers. This is the first study to compare the efficiency of various masks, and it revealed that surgical masks offer no protection at all to either influenza or respiratory disease. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
America's War Within: Homeland Security marked by waste, lack of oversight Sep 13, 2009
The list included 200,000 for computer-aided dispatch, a 50,000 hazmat response vehicle, 16,000 in surveillance gear and more for portable radios and respirators. Problems didn't appear immediately. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
CHANGING LANES: Hygiene homework and the H1N1 virus Sep 12, 2009
Only a tiny minority of the population will not be able to recover when they have the big guns of IV s, respirators, etc. to help them fight off complications. (Hingham Journal, MA)
Swine Flu Pandemic What Seniors S... Sep 8, 2009
Those wanting more specific information regarding the use of facemasks and respirators in the work environment may wish to visit the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration () web site. Seniors and the Flu. (Suite101.com)
State makes priority list for flu vaccine7:41 pm | (No comments posted.) Sep 5, 2009
In community and home settings, facemasks and respirators are generally not recommended. Article Rating. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
RMC forum answers public's questions on seasonal, swine flu Sep 5, 2009
Joy Barnes of Orangeburg says she wants to be certain that enough respirators would be available at RMC in case of a local widespread outbreak. I was reassured to hear how prepared the hospital and the other health entities seem to be to handle a possible epidemic or pandemic involving large numbers of people, Barnes said. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
America's Registered Nurses Applaud New Institute of Medicine H1N1/Swine Flu Safety Recommendations -- and Call on CDC to Maintain Stringent Safety Guidelines Sep 5, 2009
the committee noted that in the recent outbreak of H1N1 in Mexico, strict adherence of infection control measures including the use of N95 respirators prevented healthcare workers from contracting influenza-like illness. One study that has been submitted for publication compared the clinical efficacy of medical [surgical] masks versus N95 respirators in healthcare workers and found that N95s had statistically significant efficacy while medical masks showed no efficacy. (PR Newswire)
Special masks aid health workers in H1N1 fight Sep 4, 2009
Tight-fitting respirators form seal and help guard against virus, NIH says ... Still, "it would be a mistake for anyone to rely on respirators alone as some sort of magic shield," said Kenneth Shine of the University of Texas Health System, Austin, who chaired the Institute of Medicine committee ... N95 respirators are standard in hospitals for use when treating patients with certain infections, but they're more expensive and not in as plentiful supply as surgical masks. (MSNBC -- Health)
For H1N1 cases: Use masks with airtight seals Sep 4, 2009
Panel recommends health care workers wear N95 respirators for H1N1 patients. N95 respirators form an airtight seal around the nose and mouth ... One expert says that based on current knowledge, N95 respirators offer health workers the best protection. (CNN -- Health)
CDC: High-risk kids should get first H1N1 shots Sep 4, 2009
Instead, health workers should switch to a specific type of mask -- N95 respirators -- that form an airtight seal around the nose and mouth. Share this on. (CNN)
Respirator Masks Best for Swine Flu Health Workers Sep 4, 2009
N95 respirators fit tightly around the mouth and nose and have filters that can block about 95 percent of the flu virus, according to the report released Thursday. "The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for protection of health-care workers during an H1N1 outbreak have been that those in close contact with people who have H1N1 flu should wear N95 respirators," said Dr. Kenneth I. Shine, chair of the Committee on Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers in the... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Obama Aide’s Case Against Euthanasia From Atlantic Archives Aug 27, 2009
Thus, decades before the discovery of penicillin (1928) and the development of mechanical respirators (1929), dialysis (1945), and other life-sustaining technologies, serious public discussions of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia took place in the United States (and also in European countries) ... Patients who are being kept alive by technology and want to end their lives already have a recognized constitutional right to stop any and all medical interventions, from respirators to... (The Atlantic Online)
Officers Uncover Face Mask Concern Aug 20, 2009
They said the respirators are only meant to give police time to escape contaminated areas. The same respirators, according to the attorneys, are used by police and civil defense workers around the world ... The city contends the officers are trying to spin public opinion after failing to convince a federal magistrate the respirators are inadequate. (Click2Houston, TX)
12 N.J. hospitals paying doctors to save them money Aug 20, 2009
For instance, it has updated procedures for dealing with patients on ventilators or respirators to prevent pneumonia from developing. "This gainsharing program will incentivize the physicians to be part of the teams and lead the teams," he said. (USA Today -- News)
Blue Chip among VC funders for Union Springs Pharmaceuticals Aug 20, 2009
manufactures the Clyns line of infection control products and T-5000 disposable respirators for the EMS, law enforcement, corrections and military markets. The MyClyns antimicrobial spray can be applied to the eyes, mouth, nose and open wounds. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Officials And Public Urged To Use Latest Evidence As Guide In H1N1 Prevention And Protection Procedures Aug 18, 2009
In the case of certain procedures that could potentially "aerosolize" the virus, thereby allowing for airborne transmission, healthcare workers should wear respirators ... "Surgical masks provide the level of protection needed for healthcare workers who may be exposed to the H1N1 virus. Using respirators in situations other than when there is the potential for the virus to become aerosolized is not wise," said Anne Gershon, MD, FIDSA, President of IDSA. "Respirators do not provide increased... (Science Daily)
SDG&E To Pare Back Controversial Shutoff Plan Aug 18, 2009
Recently, SDG&E said it would develop alternative plans for the 590 or so people in affected areas who use respirators or other electrical devices to stay alive. Although the commission won't hear the matter until Sept. 10, SDG&E executives have said they will put their plan into effect on Sept. 1 when wildfire season begins in San Diego County. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Gordon College’s ‘road kill guy’ makes lessons from highway’s edge Aug 13, 2009
The bacterial load on these things can be very high, said Keller, who advocates wearing gloves and using respirators when handling dead animals. We tell students, if you can smell it, leave it outside. (Boston Globe)
Illinois Tool Works aims to become photonics powerhouse Aug 6, 2009
ITW Group's optical backlight technologies are used in medical devices such as handheld X-ray devices (shown), defibrillators and respirators. Formation of the Photonics Group is intended to follow the design evolution of sophisticated photonic devices, which sense and also display their state, allowing users to make on-the-fly adjustments to automated processes, for example. (EETimes)
Get Tips on Preventing, Treating Swine Flu Aug 5, 2009
If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death. (ABC News)
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Reports Results for the First Quarter Aug 5, 2009
As for eVent Medical Ltd., the company worked to strengthen the sales of artificial respirators. As a result, sales rose 173 million yen (7. (JCN Network, Japan)
Study: Face masks seem to protect against flu Aug 4, 2009
Currently, the , which partly funded the study, does not generally recommend the use of face masks or respirators to prevent the spread of H1N1 because of their uncertain benefit ... He adds that N95 respirators, which are tight-fitting masks that filter airborne particles, are also beneficial, but they can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. (CNN)
No swine flu mutation in Argentina yet Aug 1, 2009
As hospitals set up extra beds in waiting rooms and hallways and bought extra respirators to handle the caseload, Manzur took the nation's supply of antiviral drugs out of private pharmacies and made 2 million courses of Tamiflu available for free at public hospitals. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Health)
Police and other emergency workers inhaled toxins at Ground Zero. (photo by Anthony Correia)"> Jul 31, 2009
Queens Chronicle - 9/11 responder program in limbo. Friday July 31, 2009. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
A State of Confusion editorial: Safety net takes hit in this budget Jul 29, 2009
Grants to the aged, blind and disabled will be cut, developmentally disabled people will lose services that help them function in society, and elderly and disabled people including those with Alzheimer's and people on respirators and feeding tubes will go without cleaning, cooking and bathing assistance that helps keep them from being forced into nursing homes. The budget also cuts subsidies that help working families afford health insurance for their children, cuts payments to people who care... (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Airway Cells Use 'Tasting' Mechanism To Detect And Clear Harmful Substances Jul 27, 2009
Respirators save lives for the first responders who wear them, but their cartridges need to be changed often. Without knowing it, users could be. (Science Daily)
Going Too Far with Assisted Suicide? Jul 26, 2009
We allow for the removal of feeding tubes, the withdrawal of respirators, the replacement of aggressive treatment with palliative care; these can all be wise and merciful choices. But each step forward gets a little more slippery. (Time.com)
For some hospitals, they're small but mighty Jul 19, 2009
The larger patient rooms at Washington can better accommodate clinical teams and some medical equipment, such as respirators. The hospital is totally wireless and medical records are electronic (though some physicians still prefer paper). (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
* Hemophilia is most expensive illness: insurance bureau Jul 15, 2009
Meanwhile, the cost to the national health insurance system last year to treat patients dependent on respirators was equivalent to 44 annual premiums, while the cost per patient for those requiring regular dialysis was equivalent to 36 annual premiums. For patients who have to be fed intravenously because of intestinal resection, the cost to the national health insurance was equivalent to 32 annual premiums. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
House found full of cats, feces, urine Jul 14, 2009
The stench was so bad that inspectors had to wear respirators, Powers said. Ed Randall, also of the health department, estimated that animal control removed about 15 cats from the residence, and that another 15 cats still may be roaming around the home. (Montana Standard, MT)
Meth labs leave trail of toxins Jul 14, 2009
The Holts' three babies were ghostlike and listless, with breathing problems that called for respirators, repeated trips to the emergency room and, for the middle child, Anna, the heaviest dose of steroids a toddler can take. Holt, a nurse, developed migraines. (News & Observer)
Saved by a bug? Jul 12, 2009
Direct caregivers and senior management have all been fit-tested for respirators. Masks, medical alcohol and hand-washing supplies have been stockpiled. (The Palm Beach Post)
Research into combating swine flu gets $7m boost Jul 9, 2009
The new research will gauge the effectiveness of N95 face-fitting respirators worn by Beijing health workers. Other research will look at ways to improve detection of swine flu, strategies for anti-viral use and the possibility of swine flu interacting with other flu strains. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
What Is Your Car's Personality? Jul 7, 2009
For example, researchers are trying to determine if bone shapes can be used to help identify the age, gender and race of unknown human remains and how variations in facial features affect the fit and function of respirators. The idea of seeing faces in inanimate objects is part of a survival instinct that goes back to prehistoric times, Slice said. (Click2Houston, TX)
Crews testing yards for asbestos fibers near former Grace factory in Spokane Jul 2, 2009
Earlier this week, two men in white hazmat suits and respirators dug 30 soil samples from the lawn of Kandi Smith. Cars driving past her house slowed as drivers gawked at the scene. (Missoulian, MT)
Seattle man sues city to stop fireworks show Jun 30, 2009
In 1984, hazardous testing crews with the Environmental Protection Agency showed up wearing disposable rubber gloves, boots and face respirators. The city later closed the park for five months. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Swine Flu Continues to Flare Up, CDC Says Jun 20, 2009
And health-care personnel should use gloves, respirators, gowns and eye protection while in a patient's room. Hand-washing should also be practiced, Bell said. (MEDLINEplus)
2,063 volunteers do much more than blood drives Jun 6, 2009
They participated with teams distributing bulk supplies of ice chests, brooms, mops, five-gallon buckets, bleach, respirators, blankets and personal hygiene kits. through the Louisiana parishes with a fleet of 28 15-foot Budget Rental trucks. (Dowagiac News, MI)
BN closing sleeping rooms, removing asbestos tiles Jun 4, 2009
The signs read: Danger Asbestos Cancer and lung disease hazard Authorized personnel only Respirators and protective clothing are required in this area. On Friday, the workers began removing shingles from the roof of one of the buildings and roped off the area around the building with a plastic yellow caution tape. (Laurel Outlook, MT)
Capitol Hill to Host Emergency Drill Jun 3, 2009
Men in safety suits and respirators will emerge out of a manhole near Folger Park on Wednesday morning, but bypassing staffers have no need to worry it s just a drill. Starting at 9:30 a.m., Architect of the Capitol officials will be practicing evacuation procedures for the utility tunnels that run under the Capitol. (Roll Call)
More of this story May 29, 2009
Oklahoma City has a stockpile of antibiotics, other medications, respirators and generators items for every kind of emergency, she said. Thirty-six counties in Oklahoma may receive assets from Oklahoma City if necessary and Bartlesville would be included. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, OK)
Comfort Matters - The new Draeger Series of Filtering Facepiece Respirators Demonstrate Exceptional Wearer Comfort May 29, 2009
It is a well documented fact that, especially during prolonged use, many filtering facepiece respirators can become uncomfortable to wear, often due to a build up of warm moist exhaled air within the mask. In order to counter this, the Draeger X-plore 1700 series utilizes a well researched combination of filter media that demonstrates strong protection yet minimizes breathing resistance. (PR Newswire)
Family survived Black Saturday in bunker May 28, 2009
The Gobbetts modified it slightly and equipped it with respirators, water, fire extinguishers and warm blankets. Mr Gobbett had been a CFA firefighter and said he had always believed his property was defendable. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
South Korea's high court grants right to die May 22, 2009
The hospital refused, citing a South Korean law that forbids physicians from taking patients off respirators or life support. The children of the woman, identified only by the surname Kim, sued. (Boston Globe)
Face protection effective in preventing the spread of influenza May 21, 2009
Their model predicted that the use of face protection including N95 respirators (these fit tight around the face and are often worn by construction workers) and surgical masks (these fit looser around the face and are often worn by dental hygienists) are effective in preventing the flu ... Also, only 30 percent of the benefits of the respirators and masks are achieved if they are used only after an infected person develops symptoms. (EurekAlert!)
She 'harmed so many. And we will catch her' May 17, 2009
Gaitan said some workers told him they sometimes took off respirators when it got hot at job sites. He also found many ECT certificate holders who didn't know how to properly put on a respirator, even after working with asbestos longer than a year. (Boston Globe)
Use of N95 Respirators to Prevent S... May 12, 2009
Use of N95 Respirators to Prevent Swine Flu. Use of N95 Respirators to Prevent Swine Flu ... CDC Approves N95 Respirators for Novel Influenza A H1N1. (Suite101.com)
