Evaluation of the effectiveness of personal protective equipment and their impact on the health of medical workers

Abstract

Studies in the area of assessing the effectiveness and consequences of the use of personal protective equipment (including respiratory protection) has always been the subject of attention in occupational medicine. These problems have become particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assessing the effectiveness of personal protective equipment against viruses is complicated by the lack of uniform standardized approaches. It is also necessary to take into account the possible negative effects of personal protective equipment on the health and well-being of healthcare workers due to their frequent and prolonged use. Existing data assessing the effectiveness of masks and respirators indicate some effectiveness of personal protective equipment against viruses, but prolonged use negatively affects the health of workers. It is necessary to continue studies in these directions, improving the methodology. Measures are needed to reduce or prevent the occurrence of negative effects as a result of the use of personal protective equipment, including the creation of favorable working conditions, prevention and treatment of possible changes in health status.