Table 2

Potential exposure pathways via six body areas and the protective effect of the 12 PPE

Exposure pathwayInhalationDermal exposureWhole body
Body area PPE MOUTH PPE EYE PPE HAND PPE UP-BODY PPE LEG PPE FEET PPE
Relative contribution0.10.10.40.20.10.11
PPE itemsDust maskMask with carbon filterGogglesGlovesOverall or
long-sleeve shirt
Rubber apron or
rain poncho
Overall or
long pants
Gaiters or
waterproof pants
Rubber bootsCumulative effect over all PPE
PPE qualityWNWPNWPW or NWPWNWPWNWPNWP
Exposure reduction when using PPE
 All the time (100%)0.300.100.100.200.300.100.300.100.10
 Most of the time (75%)0.480.330.330.400.480.330.480.330.33
 Often (50%)0.650.550.550.600.650.550.650.550.55
 Rarely0.830.780.780.800.830.780.830.780.78
 Never1.001.001.001.001.001.001.001.001.00
Actual exposure: example for best possible protection0.030.010.010.080.060.020.030.010.010.14
  • NWP, non-woven permeable; PPE, personal protective equipment; W, woven PPE.