Operational Implications of Xcaper Filter
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Test Results
The Xcaper Easy Breathe and Civilian filters have performed
exceptionally well in tests against 55.5 ppm of carbon monoxide
(CO) gas. When the Easy Breathe filter was directly massaged
once per minute (simulating manipulation by the wearer), it
absorbed 100% of CO in five separate 30 minute tests. When
directly massaged once per minute, the Civilian filter absorbed
100% of CO in tests of 38 and 48 minutes. It is apparent that,
with direct massaging once per minute, these filters will
probably continue to absorb 100% of the gas for even longer
periods.
Even with indirect massaging every two minutes (periodic jostling
of the filter assembly to simulate limited human body and
head movement), the Easy Breathe filter absorbed 100% of the
55.5 ppm gas for 20 to 28 minutes, and absorbed 73.0% to 96.4%
of the 55.5 ppm gas at 30 minutes. With only indirect massaging
every two minutes, the Civilian Filter absorbed 100% of the
55.5 ppm gas for 15 minutes and 91% of it at 30 minutes. Even
with only indirect massaging every two minutes, the concentration
of gas that made it through the filter was well below OSHA,
NIOSH, and ACGIH standards for occupational CO levels.
This data indicates that the Easy Breathe filter is suitable
for use by firefighters against CO in structural overhaul
operations, where carbon monoxide levels are as high as 55.5
ppm once the fire has been extinguished. The light, easily
worn filter will permit structural overhaul operations to
begin immediately, eliminating the need to wait for extended
periods until CO concentrations drop to levels acceptable
for unprotected respiration.
The Civilian filter performance indicates that it provides
significant protection against CO inhalation when worn by
personnel escaping burning buildings, where smoke and CO inhalation
are life-threatening hazards.
The filters have demonstrated that they will provide effective
protection against 55.5 ppm CO with only minimal massaging,
but their performance reaches superior levels when massaged
regularly.
James D. Lee, P.E.
President
