Filtration Efficiency of the Ramathibodi Nasal Filter
Evaluated by Rhinomanometry in High Concentration
Level of Laser Smoke Particle
KUNCHIITHAPE TANPOWPONG, M.D.*,
CHUMROON CHIRAT THITI, M.Sc. (Environmental Science)**
Affiliation : * Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400,
** Environmental Health Center Region One, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000,
Thailand.
AbstractUnder conditions with a high concentration level of laser smoke particles, the filtration
efficiency of the Ramathibodi nasal filter was studied. Different kinds of filter material in the Rama
thibodi nasal filter were evaluated in human adults with an anterior standard rhinomanometric method.
The Ramathibodi nasal filter with three-layers of a half-face mask filter and a 4 mm thickness poly
urethane foam put inside was applied in a simulated human airway. The experiment was conducted
in the Otolaryngology Department, Ramathibodi Hospital from October to December 2001. The
amount and size of laser smoke particles were measured by a laser diode portable dust monitor. The
amount of residual laser smoke particles in the simulated human airway without the Ramathibodi
nasal filter of PM2.5, PMlO and PM15 were 100.91 ± 7.65, 109.10 ± 7.87 and 120.18 ± 14.28 mcg/m3
respectively. The amount of residual laser smoke particles in the simulated human airway with the
Ramathibodi nasal filter of PM2.5, PMlO and PM15 were 85.55 ± 3.42, 92.18 ± 4.40 and 99.72 ±
5.02 mcg/m3 respectively. The filtration efficacy of the Ramathibodi nasal filter showed a high statis
tically significant difference with a p-value of <0.001 for three particle sizes. High concentration of
laser smoke particles in an operative room represented suspended particulate matters which are very
dangerous for human healths. The Ramathibodi nasal filter as a personal respiratory protective device
applied in human nasal vestibules could protect the human airway from atmospheric suspended
particulate matter.
Keywords : High Concentration of Laser Smoke Particles, Ramathibodi Nasal Filter, Simulated
Human Airway, Rhinomanometry, Laser Diode Portable Dust Monitor
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