Abstract
Supplied-air hood respirators are used when working with abrasive blasters. The hood covers the head, neck, and upper torso, and usually includes a neck cuff. Clean air is delivered by a compressor through a hose leading into the hood. The hood is not tight-fitting. Sufficient air is provided to maintain a slight positive-pressure inside the hood relative to the environment outside the hood. In this way, an outward flow of air from the respirator will prevent contaminants from entering the hood. This positive-pressure inside the hood exerts pressure on the skin but does not usually cause subcutaneous emphysema. However, we report herein on a case of subcutaneous emphysema of the face caused by using a supplied-air hood respirator. The lift developed by the airflow between the face and the hood possibly induced the subcutaneous emphysema in spite of the positive-pressure inside the hood.
