NIOSH Announces Respiratory Protection Week 2021

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Stevens, yky0@cdc.gov, 202.245.0641

PITTSBURGH– The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) announces its annual Respiratory Protection Week. The observance will take place September 7–10, 2021.

During the observance, NIOSH will host two webinars related to respiratory protection via Zoom. On September 7 from 1–2 p.m. EST, NIOSH will present on the future of respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE). The webinar will also provide insight into the new role of PPE in non-traditional settings and closing PPE gaps for underserved populations. On September 9, NIOSH, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will come together in a webinar to help users better understand the role of each agency. Employers and respirator users can tune into the webinar from 3–4 p.m. EST to learn about the roles and responsibilities of each agency in relation to respiratory protection.

“This extraordinary time emphasizes the importance of respiratory protection and PPE,” said NPPTL Director Maryann D’Alessandro, Ph.D. “We are excited to spread awareness on this topic, spotlight our valuable resources, and provide insight into our vision regarding the future of PPE.”

First launched in 2012 as N95 Day and then expanded to Respiratory Protection Week in 2019, this observance provides NIOSH an opportunity to share research findings and release educational tools to help promote proper respiratory protection practices. This year, NIOSH developed new products to help address frequently asked questions. A specific focus will be placed on educating participants on the role NIOSH and other federal agencies play in protecting workers who rely on respiratory protection.

Visit the Respiratory Protection Week webpage to:

• Sign up for webinars.
• Learn how to participate.
• View new educational products as they come available.

Since it was established in 2001, NIOSH NPPTL has conducted scientific research on PPE, approved respirators, developed guidance, and published information. To learn more about NPPTL, visit: www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/default.html.

NIOSH is the federal institute that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. For more information about NIOSH visit www.cdc.gov/niosh.