What this means for you To check if an N95 mask has been approved by NIOSH, go to the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL) and enter the masks testing and approved certification numbers. You can check the approval number on the NIOSH certified equipment list (CEL) or on NIOSHs trusted sources page to find out whether or not your respirator has been approved by NIOSH.
If your mask does not appear on this list, that means your approval number is invalid, and your mask is not a NIOSH-approved respirator. Once a mask is selected, buyers can always check whether or not it is listed on the CDCs list of counterfeit respirators, or on the agencys Non-approved Equipment list. You may also want to check the manufacturers name and N95 masks approval number to ensure it is listed on NIOSHs Approved Equipment List. One way to find out whether your N95 mask is a legit, NIOSH-certified respirator is by searching for it on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL).
NIOSH is in charge of the approval of N95 masks, and they certified N95s as legit respirators capable of handling particles. While NIOSH tests and certifies N95 masks, they do not certify KN95 masks, KF94 masks, or any other respirator products that may be certified internationally. Unfortunately, due to the large market for N95 respirators, some masks are being sold inaccurately as being approved by NIOSH. Health officials recommend cloth facemasks are much less effective than N95, KN95, and KF94 respirator masks, but experts also caution that many masks bearing these labels are fraudulent.
The CDCs research builds upon the facemask guidelines CDC released earlier this year, which detailed how the various types of masks vary in how much protection they offer — N95 respirators topping the list. In its Consumer-Facing Mask Guidance, CDC notes that N95s and other respirators approved by the National Institutes of Health are the most protective options.
The most important thing to look for in N95 masks, specifically, is if the respirator has been tested and certified by NIOSH. When NIOSH gives an N95 its seal of approval, it means that the respirator has met a very specific set of testing requirements.
N95s are approved by NIOSH, not the FDA (although surgical N95s must get approval or authorization from FDA as well). Real N95s are approved by NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and should carry a clearance number beginning with the letters TC on the mask. To receive N95-approved certification from NIOSH, the respirator must be capable of filtering out at least 95% of all particles, of all sizes.
Since you are unlikely to carry an entire respiratory products testing laboratory with you when shopping, you will need to instead rely on signs that tell you if the N95 mask you are considering has — or has not — received an NIOSH endorsement. If, in fact, you are using a respirator mask that is not NIOSH-approved, you do not actually have a clue how effective it is at blocking particulates or airborne pathogens. If you are not sure whether a respirator mask you are buying is NIOSH-approved, you might consult CDCs guidelines to find reliable information on respirators.
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How to explain perfectly clear and understandable for all, the uses of a mask, how it works and how to use it
The most educational and relevant article I’ve seen today. Keep posting excellent articles, and stay healthy.
Technically, you could cycle between 3 to 4 masks for Covid proof re-usability. Although healthcare workers might also need to change masks more frequently. Brilliant article as always!
Good article