How is the breakthrough rate calculated?

The breakthrough rate is a critical calculation used in industrial hygiene to assess the performance of protective equipment, particularly in situations where personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators or gloves is being evaluated for chemical permeation. The breakthrough rate helps to determine the effectiveness of such equipment in protecting workers from hazardous substances.

The calculation of the breakthrough rate involves dividing the mass of the substance that has "broken through" (the breakthrough mass) by the mass of the substance that has been collected (the collected mass). This ratio provides insight into how well the protective device is functioning; a lower breakthrough rate indicates better protection, while a higher rate suggests that the material is permeable and may not provide adequate protection against the hazardous substance.

In this context, the formula reflects the relationship between the amount of hazardous substance that penetrates through the PPE material compared to the amount that was anticipated to be collected. This measurement is essential for ensuring safety in various work environments where exposure to harmful chemicals may occur.