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- The case of influenzaShow More
I read with interest the article of Smith et al. Regarding Influenza, I must note the following:
1) In their meta analysis of N-95 respirators vs surgical masks, Smith et al place a heavy reliance on the study of Loeb et al [1] . A careful reading of Loeb et al shows that 42 % of their infected subjects (10% of studied nurses) were infected with A(H1N1) pdm09 and had been infected prior to approximately May 1, 2...
Competing Interests: None declared. - N95 versus surgical masksShow More
Given the wealth of published data on the efficiency of N95 FFRs and surgical masks resulting from various extensive experimental studies, it is surprising to learn that the investigators of this paper found no evidence that N95 respirators offer better protection compared to surgical masks. Our testing conducted with health care workers showed a clear difference. I would echo Dr. Lantos' comment "the absence of proof i...
Competing Interests: None declared. - Re:Failure to understand worker protectionShow More
Further to Ms. Haslam-Stroud's comments, Justice Campbell also emphasized the Precautionary Principle which is still, 13 years later, all too much lacking; as most recently evidenced by the inadequate protection of nurses against Ebola in the USA. Both the SARS Commission and the later CSA Z94.4-11 standard clearly indicate the need for a Respiratory Safety Officer, which most hospitals still do not have, and the standard...
Competing Interests: None declared. - Failure to understand worker protectionShow More
In the SARS Commission report, "Spring of Fear," Justice Archie Campbell wrote, "There were two solitudes: infection control and worker safety....infection control failed to protect nurses..."
To the detriment of health-care workers and their patients across Ontario, this divide between the two solitudes has been permitted to persist.
The opening sentence in this CMAJ paper's abstract reveals infectio...
Competing Interests: None declared. - NIOSH re surgical masks
The absence of proof is not the proof of absence. There is much evidence in the aerosol physics and bioaerosol literature re airborne spread from coughs and sneezes. There is a good reason why NIOSH has never approved surgical masks as PPE.
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
Competing Interests: None declared.