Triosyn Resin Technology
1. What is Triosyn iodinated resin?
Triosyn iodinated-resin is a unique patented technology that
harnesses the broad spectrum, fast acting antimicrobial activity of
molecular iodine in a stable demand-release delivery system.
Back to Top
2. Why aren’t there more iodine containing
products?
Iodine has long been known as an antimicrobial compound. It is
still in widespread use today. Attempts to incorporate active
molecular iodine into textiles and surfaces, however, have
previously been met with disappointing results. Too often, the
iodine would wash away, vaporize or oxidize prematurely.
Back to Top
3. How is Triosyn technology different?
Utilizing a unique patented technology, molecular iodine (the
active antimicrobial component) is bound within a stabilizing
tri-iodide complex that is thermally fused into a polymeric-resin
base. This unit preserves the molecular iodine while keeping it
ready to deploy its active antimicrobial properties as needed.
Back to Top
Disposable Respirators
1. What does PPE mean?
PPE is short for Personal Protective Equipment. Shoe covers,
coveralls, gowns, gloves, eye protection, and of course masks and
respirators are all different examples of PPE.
Back to Top
2. What is the difference between a medical mask,
a standard or procedural mask, a standard NIOSH approved N95
disposable respirators, and a Triosyn NIOSH approved
disposable respirator with built in antimicrobial protection?
Medical masks come in two standard categories: surgical and
procedure masks. Both are designed primarily to prevent
microorganisms originating in the wearers nose and mouth from being
expelled onto the patient or sterile field. They should also keep
infectious droplets or splashes originating from the patient from
striking the healthcare provider directly (if they are fluid
resistant). However, they are not made to fit snugly and often are
not very effective at filtering out very small infectious droplets.
Surgical masks usually have ties instead of ear-loops, fit better
than procedure masks and usually have a higher filtration rate. They
are tested with bacterial aerosols that average 3 microns in droplet
diameter.
N95 disposable respirators and Triosyn disposable
respirators with antimicrobial protection are intended to prevent the wearer from inhaling
microorganisms. Both are approved by the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). They fit close to the face
and create a sealed environment with the intention of preventing
bio-aerosols from reaching the wearer’s respiratory tract. In
testing:
o N95 respirators must have at least a 95% success rate for preventing the
penetration of particles as small as 0.30 microns. However, all
viruses are smaller than that.
o Triosyn Disposable Respirators have built in
antimicrobial protection. The
barrier efficacy of every lot is verified by testing random
respirators with a two-hour challenge of approximately 100 million viruses at
85 liters/min - the velocity of inhalation when conducting rigorous
activity. Each lot must exceed 99.99% filtration efficacy to be
accepted. Viruses range in
size from 0.02 to 0.28 microns; much smaller than the salt
particles used to certify NIOSH approved respirators such as N95s.
This is an incredibly important point as live viruses and other
microorganisms are the threat, not salt particles. This critical information cannot be gleaned from salt
tests.
Back to Top
3. When should NIOSH approved disposable
respirators be worn?
Respirators (disposable or otherwise) should be worn when faced
with infections that can be spread by tiny droplets (smaller than 5
microns) that ride air currents, readily pass through isolation or
surgical masks and have potentially severe consequences. Examples of
airborne infections include tuberculosis, avian flu, SARS, shingles,
smallpox, viral hemorrhagic fevers (like Ebola), anthrax spores,
suspected aerosolized bioterrorist activity, and even measles and chicken pox
(when the individual in the vicinity is not immune to the airborne
infectious viruses). They should also be worn when working disaster
relief when disease spread is suspected, but the entity is unknown, or
when any unusual outbreak of unknown origin occurs with respiratory
involvement. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
World Health Organization (WHO) have only emphasized the use of
disposable respirators when exposed to pulmonary tuberculosis,
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), avian flu (including
symptomatic poultry), it is generally recognized that disposable
respirators should be worn when exposed to any of the organisms
listed above, all of which can gain entrance for infection via the
human respiratory tract. The respirator can greatly mitigate the risk of infection.
Back to Top
4. Are Triosyn disposable respirators
certified in Europe?
Yes Safe Life has both FFP2 and FFP3 certified disposable
respirators.
Back to Top
5. Are Triosyn disposable respirators
NIOSH approved?
Yes, all Triosyn disposable respirators are NIOSH
certified at P95 or N95 rating.
Back to Top
6. What do the NIOSH ratings on the respirator
packages mean?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency
responsible for providing research, information, education, and
training in the occupational health and safety fields. The following
chart from the NIOSH website describes the various disposable
respirator designations. If the respirator is fluid resistant it is
addressed separately on the package label or in the technical
literature. The filtration rating designation category in the chart
is determined by the NIOSH disposable respirator certification test
utilizing a 20 minute challenge with 0.3 micron salt particles.
|
 |
Note: “P” designation
respirators qualify
at the same filtration levels (95,99,100) as the N and R categories,
but have the added strong resistance to oil mists (e.g. in fires when
oil is burning), aerosolized fat (e.g. vaporized fatty tissues),
etc. These types of substances degrade the electrostatic mechanism
of microbial capture. P rated respirators provide the strongest
resistance to these degradative substances.
Back to Top
7. Why would the “P” rating for strong resistance
to oil be important?
Oil degrades the electrostatic attraction and capture mechanism
in respirators, causing rapid loss of filtration efficacy. First
responders and search and rescue teams answering calls where they
may be exposed to liquid, mists or smoke of gasoline, oil, diesel
fuel or animal fat while requiring the use of a disposable
respirator to protect them from microbial infection should select
“P” rated respirators. Individual burning or vaporizing fat and
fatty tissues, in the presence of aerosolized microorganisms
requiring the use of a respirator, should also select “P” rated
respirators.
Back to Top
8. Isn’t it enough to just filter out
microorganisms?
Trapping microorganisms is obviously a good thing. However, a
disposable respirator that merely traps microorganisms is only doing
half the job. Triosyn disposable respirators with built in
antimicrobial protection not only trap more microorganisms, they go
one step further by oxidizing their surface proteins and lipids,
rendering them harmless.
Back to Top
9. Can Triosyn Disposable Respirators with
Antimicrobial Protection stop viruses?
Triosyn’s proven technology with built in antimicrobial
protection traps viruses and stops them cold. In numerous tests
conducted by independent laboratories using the SARS Coronavirus,
several Influenza A virus strains, MS2 coliphage (viruses) and Phi
X174 coliphage the filtration media in the Triosyn disposable respirator with antimicrobial
protection repeatedly demonstrated exceptional filtration efficacy
(studies available upon request). However, no respirator can be
guaranteed to prevent infection.
Back to Top
10. How long can I wear a Triosyn
respirator and still be protected?
Triosyn disposable respirators can
be confidently worn for an eight-hour shift without reduction in
effectiveness. Note: When you remove any respirator or mask, you
should always consider the outer surface to be contaminated. Avoid
self-contamination during removal, wash your hands before and after
removal and frequently disinfect the area you are working in. Consult directions for use.
Back to Top
11. How are Triosyn disposable
respirators constructed?
Triosyn resin is incorporated into a filtration layer in the
respirator between two additional filtration layers. This tri-layer
is enclosed on the outside by a layer called a
scrim, and on the wearer’s side, an activated carbon (charcoal)
implanted layer, followed by an inner comfort layer next to the
face. Triosyn disposable respirators are fluid resistant.
Back to Top
12. Are disposable respirators
fluid resistant?
Some are; some are not. Most N95 disposable respirators are not
fluid resistant, leaving them susceptible to strike- through when
hit with splashes or sprays of water, respiratory mucous, blood and
other fluids. Strike-through means that as the fluid seeps through
the respirator, it carries or wicks microorganisms through with it,
ruining the protective barrier. Unfortunately, the wearer may be
unaware of the breach. A mask that sheds fluids, thus preventing
strike-through, can be more safely used in situations that first
responders might find themselves in including rain, crash sites,
earthquakes, floods, fire-fighting sites and attending patients with
traumatic injuries or who are generating infectious aerosols.
Back to Top
13. Why is there an activated carbon layer?
Activated carbon (also referred to as activated charcoal) has a
remarkable capacity to absorb organic fumes and nuisance odors. As
disaster crews, search and rescue teams, first responders,
laboratory technicians, morticians and other personnel exposed to
difficult aromas can attest, activated carbon filters allow them to
focus on their tasks rather than be distracted by offensive fumes.
Back to Top
14. How important is respirator fit?
Very important. If your respirator does not fit snugly, the
effectiveness could be compromised. Triosyn T-5000 and T-5000V
disposable respirators feature a foam gasket to ensure a good face
seal. For proper fit, follow these simple steps:
1) Holding the respirator in your hand, form the clip over your
finger to pre-mold the clip to fit over your nose.
2) Let the straps dangle to either side.
3) Position the lower straps over your head, around your neck, below
the ears. Hold the respirator to your mouth and place the upper head
strap over your head above the ears.
4) Adjust the head straps by pulling on the tabs to tighten them
until the respirator fits comfortably.
5) With the fingers of both hands, form the nose clip over the nose
ridge to fit snugly.
6) To check the seal, place both hands up around the mask without
pulling on it and exhale sharply. If you can feel your breath with
your hands, you need to tighten the straps to fit the respirator
more securely.
Back to Top
15. Is fit testing required?
OSHA requires fit testing for all employees required to wear a
respirator to perform their job. For example, miners with specific
responsibilities; healthcare providers attending patients with
airborne infections such as TB, SARS, avian flu, etc; laboratory
staff dealing with airborne infectious organisms; firefighters;
paramedics if their responsibilities require the use of a
respirator. Individuals who are not required to wear a respirator to
perform their job, but choose to wear one, are not required to be
fit tested. Refer to the OSHA website for fit testing methodology
and updated requirements: www.osha.gov
Back to Top
16. Is it appropriate to reuse disposable
respirators?
No. Disposable respirators are designed to be used once and then
disposed of properly. In the event of a pandemic, bioterrorist attack
or virulent airborne microbial outbreak where extensive use of
disposable respirators may deplete supplies, CDC and WHO recognize
reuse may be necessary (e.g. during SARS) and have provided guidance
to ensure careful removal and storage. CDC and NIOSH are currently
conducting studies on mechanisms of self-decontamination and
disinfection/sterilization of disposable respirators.
Back to Top
17. Is it alright to share your disposable
respirator with someone else?
No. Disposable respirator masks should never be shared.
Back to Top
18. How long can I store a Triosyn
disposable respirator for future use?
Five years in its factory sealed package.
Back to Top
Avian Flu and Pandemic Preparedness
1. What is bird flu?
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a common designation for the
Influenza A, H5NI virus, one strain of all the influenza viruses
that infect birds. While these viruses do not ordinarily infect
humans, influenza strains can mutate rapidly and potentially add
additional target hosts – such as man. In the last decade, several
cases of H5N1 infection have been reported in humans. According to
the CDC, most of the bird flu cases in humans have been contracted
through contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been
contaminated by an infected bird’s nasal secretions, saliva, or
feces. Person-to-person transmission has been documented but it is
not the norm. However, scientists suspect that this virulent strain
could mutate and present a significant threat.
Back to Top
2. How can I prevent the spread of bird flu?
The CDC recommends avoiding contact with infected birds, practicing
frequent hand washing, and disinfecting surfaces that may have been
contaminated by infected birds. Poultry should be cooked to a
minimum of 170° F. Eggs should be cooked such that they are not
“runny”. The virus could become aerosolized – or take to the air in
tiny droplets – which could then be breathed in. Thus, respiratory
protection is important when working with symptomatic poultry. In
addition to adequate respiratory protection, individuals who may be
exposed the avian flu virus should wear goggles to protect the eyes
from contamination, frequently wash hands with soap and water, or
sanitize hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and disinfect
exposed surfaces in the environment frequently.
Back to Top
3. What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
The symptoms of avian flu are often similar to those associated with
the kind of flu that humans ordinarily get. They include fever,
cough, sore throat and muscle aches. They may extend to diarrhea,
eye infections, pneumonia and severe respiratory diseases.
Back to Top
4. How many viruses does it take to cause a
respiratory infection?
Not many, but it varies. It can take as few as one, though the
number is usually estimated at 10 to 400 viruses. That number,
called the infectious dose, depends on the health of the individual,
the environment in which the contagion occurs, the way in which the
virus is contracted, and the biological properties of the virus.
Back to Top
5. How would a pandemic affect business?
The World Bank has estimated that global financial losses are
anticipated to exceed 2 trillion dollars should (or when) a pandemic
hits. If the spread of a pandemic influenza follows the infectivity
rate of seasonal flu and maintains the current death rate of over
50% of its victims, Harvard University has recently advised the US
government that the number of deaths in the United States could
exceed 81 million.
Back to Top
6. What should businesses do to prepare for a
pandemic?
A corporation-wide pandemic or disaster plan incorporating
provisions for a pandemic is a must for responsible businesses. The
plan should be written; the scenarios evaluated for capability and
potential for implementation success; potential obstacles identified
and the solutions tested. Such a plan has many aspects. The key
points:
• Business continuity: ensuring that your key business processes can
continue to operate with fewer personnel, less travel
• Awareness and Education: Materials should be available ahead of
time to familiarize all employees with pandemic procedures.
• Prevention: Have supplies stored in case of an emergency. Promote
good health habits among employees, like social distancing,
appropriate respiratory etiquette, and frequent hand-washing and
other hygienic precautions. Be prepared from an IT and
communications capability stand point to have as many personnel work
from home as possible.
• Identify key activities that must continue in the work
environment. List personnel that can perform those functions.
Specify and train back-up personnel should key individuals become
ill or are required to tend to family members.
• Identify and solve obstacles that may prevent success. For
example, as many key functions may be required to work from home,
will they be able to access files normally denied access from remote
locations? Are their solutions ready to implement should normal
decision makers be incapacitated – a plan B list. This portion takes
a deeply engaged assessment of current practices and what-if
scenarios. A continuity plan is essential.
• Vaccines and anti-viral drugs: Vaccines and anti-viral drugs may
be scarce when a real pandemic hits; it may take some time for a
vaccine specific to a new viral strain to be developed. It is
important to prioritize vaccination of key personnel.
• It is also very possible that vaccines and anti-viral drugs will
be unavailable or ineffective in preventing or treating mutated
strains of a pandemic influenza. Personnel should be trained on the
proper use and removal of appropriate personal protective equipment
(disposable respirators or other respiratory protection, eye
protection and possibly gloves), which can minimize the risk of viral exposure. Appropriate hand hygiene
practices and all the instructions for social distancing.
• Provide your employees with information on family preparedness.
Being prepared at home not only better prepares staff to carry on
essential job responsibilities should a pandemic, bioterrorist event
or other disaster occur, but it also creates a corporate persona of
caring, trust and employee enablement.
For more information, see:
www.pandemicflu.gov
Back to Top
Safe Life Products
1. What is Safe Life’s Product Portfolio?
Air Filtration:
• Available now: Triosyn disposable respirators with antimicrobial
protection
• Last stages of development: gas mask canisters, portable Super
HVAC system Industrial:
• Available now: machine lubricant filters - normal and large
capacity
• Ready for commercialization: exterior paint additive, surface
disinfectant
Medical:
• Ready for commercialization (FDA 510k cleared): Wound dressing
• Last stages of development: blood treatment and transfusion filter
Protective shelters:
• Ready for commercialization: living quarter shelters with
protection against microbial fall out for single or multiple person
capacity occupancy; canine shelter unit; isolation transport
stretchers
Back to Top
2. Where can I buy products marketed by Safe
Life?
We are currently putting together a distribution network to
bring all of our products to the marketplace. For immediate
assistance in finding Safe Life products, call one of our toll-free
customer service lines:
Within the continental US: 866.865.5084
From the US or Canada: 866.466.6099
Outside the US and Canada: 450.434.6099
Back to Top
|
