January 2006
For Immediate Release

What the General Public Should Know and Understand About Respirators and Avian Influenza (H5N1)

London, ON – Currently, we are not aware of any country or government in the world recommending the use of respirators by the general public for the virus that causes Avian Influenza H5N1 (Bird Flu) or any other influenza. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada, World Health Organization (WHO), US Center for Disease Control (CDC), US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and several European and/or National Health Protection agencies have recommended that health care workers exposed during certain procedures to patients with confirmed or suspected Avian Influenza use respiratory protection. Government approved particulate respirators help reduce exposure to the Avian Influenza virus and recommendations include US NIOSH approved N95, European CE certified EN143P2 / EN149 FFP2, EN149FFP3, or higher level respiratory protection. Recommendations for respiratory protection have also been made for workers involved in culling and inspecting infected birds, and for people exposed to sick birds.

It is believed that most cases of Avian Influenza (H5N1) infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. In such situations, people should avoid contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, and should be careful when handling and cooking poultry. Strict hand hygiene must also be performed. In addition to direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces, it is possible that the particles that contain Avian Flu virus could become airborne in the future. When airborne this virus, like other biological agents, can be filtered by respirators with particulate filters. Because no respirator will prevent the inhalation of all particles, they cannot eliminate the risk of exposure, infection and illness. Nevertheless, if people in the general public make a personal decision to use a government approved respirator to help reduce their exposure to airborne influenza virus, they need to understand that:

1. Reducing exposure to the airborne influenza virus particles does not mean that the risk of exposure, infections and illness has been eliminated. Respirators will not prevent you from catching the flu in other ways such as touching your mouth, nose or eyes with contaminated hands or objects, or eating contaminated food. At this time the Public Health Agency of Canada and the CDC recommends the best precaution for the general public is hand washing.

2. In order for a respirator to be most effective, you must properly wear it during the entire time you’re exposed. Removing the respirator to eat, drink, or smoke while you are in a contaminated area means you may be increasing the amount of virus particles you are breathing.

3. Fit of the respirator to your face is very important to help keep virus particles from getting inside your respirator. Particles can enter your respirator through any leaks between the respirator and your face large enough to let them in. Hair from beards and mustaches or anything that prevents the respirator directly touching your skin can prevent a proper seal. Following the fitting instructions and the instructions to check the fit that come with the respirator are very important. Achieving a good fit means more of the air you breathe goes through the respirator filter.

4. 3M respirators are not intended for use by children nor by individuals with a medical condition that might prevent the use of a respirator, such as asthma, emphysema or a history of heart disease. If you have such a condition, consult your health care provider before use.

5. Disposable respirators should be thrown away after they are used and once used should not be shared with others.

6. Be sure to read and follow all instructions on the fit, use and warnings provided by the manufacturer before using any respirator.

7. Please be cautious of claims being made by websites and other sources regarding the use of respirators for protection against Avian influenza. We recommend that you reference your National Government or National Health Protection Agency for guidance.

For more information, please call 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety technical service at: 1-800-243-4630.
3M is your resource for health and safety solutions. Visit our website, http://www.3m.com/ca/occsafety for technical and product information.