Effect of N95 Respirator on Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Physiologic Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Kampanat Wangsan, Ratana Sapbamrer, Wachiranun Sirikul, Jinjuta Panumasvivat, Vithawat Surawattanasakul and Pheerasak Assavanopakun
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Kampanat Wangsan: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Ratana Sapbamrer: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wachiranun Sirikul: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Jinjuta Panumasvivat: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Vithawat Surawattanasakul: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Pheerasak Assavanopakun: Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 14, 1-14

Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, N95 respirators were commonly used in many situations. Respiratory problems from prolonged use of respirators were discussed in many studies, which show varied results. From the inconclusive results, the current systematic review and meta-analysis discerned the effects of the N95 respirator by assessing the oxygen and carbon dioxide changes in both high- and low-to-moderate-intensity physical activities in a healthy population. Thirteen studies were identified for inclusion in the study. In high-intensity physical activities, our meta-analysis showed borderline lower oxygen saturation and higher carbon dioxide partial pressure, but oxygen saturation did not change in low-to-moderate physical activity. The use of N95 respirators could statistically affect the physiologic changes of carbon dioxide and oxygen in high-intensity physical activity among healthy participants, but this may not be clinically significant. Some users who have certain health conditions, such as respiratory problems, should be informed of the clinical symptoms related to hypercarbia and hypoxia for the early detection of adverse effects of N95 respirators.

Keywords: N95; respirator; respiratory physiologic response; carbon dioxide; oxygen saturation; respiratory protection equipment; physical activity; physical workload (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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