While a simple, reusable cotton face covering offers some protection from aerosolized particles that can cause COVID-19 infection if inhaled, NIOSH-approved N95 respirators offer the highest level of protection.
A NIOSH-approved N95 mask means it meets the strict standards of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How to know if your N95 mask is fake
While it can be hard to spot a fake, there are some signs that your N95 mask might not be what it says on the tin just by looking at it.
It has ear flaps instead of head straps.
One of the most obvious and common elements of a fake N95 mask is the presence of ear flaps. A real N95 respirator never has ear hooks, but instead has two straps that go around the back of the head to hold the mask firmly in place.
It lacks a TC number.
All NIOSH approved respirators have a unique identifying approval number called a ‘TC’ number which will have a format of ’84A-XXXX’ which can be validated at the List of CDC NIOSH certified equipment.
The NIOSH logo is missing or misspelled.
Respirators made by manufacturers that have done the proper testing and obtained the correct approvals prove they work by stamping each facepiece with the NIOSH logo. Fraudulent skins, particularly those made overseas, may contain misspellings or a logo that doesn’t look right.
There are no marks at all.
A completely blank mask that is the same shape as an N95 is also fake. Authentic N95s will always have the TC number and a NIOSH imprint.
It has embellishments or includes decorative fabrics.
Authentic N95 respirators are highly engineered and rigorously tested medical devices: they are not clothing and they are not fashionable. Embellishments or decorative fabrics are a big red flag that the mask may not be authentic.
Wearing a fake mask can increase the risk.
From cloth masks to N95 masks, there is a wide spectrum of protection available. But this can lead to a false sense of security. KN95 masks are also sometimes used in place of N95s and look similar, but they are not the same, if you wear a fake your level of risk from COVID-19 may increase.
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