Release of simulated anthrax particles from disposable respirators.

A preliminary study was undertaken to evaluate the potential for a disposable respirator that has been contaminated with anthrax spores to release spores in handling after use. The release of inert particles from disposable respirators was measured for masks dropped 3 feet onto a hard surface. Ten experimental runs were conducted for each of two N95 mask types, the Moldex 2200N95 and the 3M 8210. Anthrax spores were simulated with a test aerosol of single and double 1-micron polystyrene spheres. For the Moldex mask loaded with approximately 20 million spheres on it, an average of 0.16% was released; for the 3M mask an average of 0.29% was released.