FACTS

1. Disposable respirators are designed to filter particles of non-toxic airborne contaminants at levels below permissible limits.  Disposable respirators that are part of job requirements are considered mandatory and employees must complete a medical review, annual training.
2. A respirator can’t give workers all the protection it was designed to provide, unless it is selected and worn correctly during all periods of exposure.
3. Respiratory protection is important because it can protect people from long-term damage to their health.
4. Inhalation disorders can develop as a result of improper use of respiratory protective equipment. When hazardous substances are inhaled in the workplace (or anywhere), they can damage the lungs and airways. In some instances, the harming materials can spread and impact other organs.
5. While disposable respirators are convenient, you should be aware of their use guidelines and limitations in order to wear them safely.
6. It is important to check that your disposable respirator fits properly each time you wear it.

STATS

• Each year there are 12,000 lung disease deaths estimated to be linked to past exposures at work. An estimated 18,000 new cases per year are self-reported work-related breathing or lung problems.
• The respiratory illness rate rose from 1.1 cases per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers in 2019 to 44.0 cases in 2020.
• Chronic lower respiratory diseases (including asthma) deaths.
  • Number of deaths: 156,979
  • Deaths per 100,000 population: 47.8
  • Cause of death rank: 4
• Recent estimates of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) incidence have varied from 1.3 to 22 per 100,000 person years (105 person years); the incidence of acute lung injury (ALI) has varied from 17.9 to 34 cases per 105 person years.