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Types of Respirators This guide provides a brief overview. Please review the following for more detailed information: • OSHA • NIOSH There are a variety of different types of respirators that are typically categorized as either air-purifying or atmosphere-supplying, with some being further sub-categorized as: • Positive or negative-pressure • Tight or loose-fitting • Continuous-supply, demand or pressure-demand • Half or full-face What is important is to make sure the appropriate one is being used given the: • Type and concentration of airborne contaminants in question. • Comfort of the user. The more uncomfortable it is, the less likely it...

Connecticut could become the first state to curb loud movies under proposed legislation that’s drawing opposition from the Motion Picture Association of America. The legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee is considering the bill, which would prevent theaters from showing a film or preview that exceeded 85 decibels. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends noise should be kept below 85 decibels for workers for eight hours to minimize hearing loss. …

A doctor overseeing a federal effort to determine the health impact of exposure to ground zero dust said anecdotal evidence suggested that breathing in the smoke and ash that hung over the area after the towers' collapse could lead to illness. But he stopped short of coming to any firm conclusion, and said that a rigorous scientific study would be required. Dr. John Howard, the director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, made the comments at a news conference yesterday with members of New York's Congressional delegation. He cited the deaths of three rescue workers whose health...

HHS Awards $81 Million for Five-Year Health Screening of World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery Workers HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced the awarding of eight grants to fund an $81 million, five-year health screening program of New York City firefighters and other workers and volunteers who provided rescue, recovery, and restoration services at the World Trade Center disaster site. The grants will allow the recipients to conduct three, free, standardized clinical examinations for each eligible individual over the next five years. "Today's action will further assess the health of the brave men and women who worked day and...