Comorbid conditions that may render a person unfit to function with a respirator:
(1) history of spontaneous pneumothorax
(2) moderate or severe pulmonary disease
(3) angina pectoris or recent myocardial infarction (I would also include heart failure)
(4) significant arrhythmias
(5) symptomatic or uncontrolled hypertension
(6) advanced age
Conditions that may compromise performance but for which there are effective therapies:
(1) wearing contact lenses (another form of visual acuity correction may be appropriate)
(2) anxiety disorder or claustrophobia (may be responsive to medication)
(3) moderate to severe asthma
Factors which can impact a person's ability to function while wearing the respirator:
(1) physical demands of work
(2) weight of respirator and personal protective equipment
(3) purpose of the respirator (emergency vs intermittent vs continuous wear)
(4) control of the person over the work pace and ability to rest as needed
All persons should undergo a limited history and physical. Some persons may require additional testing, such as:
(1) imaging studies
(2) spirometry
(3) electrocardiogram
(4) exercise testing
