An N95 filter, also abbreviated as N95 filter, is a filter-like apparatus that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) classification of protective air care, which means that it filters more than 95% of particulate (dust) and airborne (aerosol) particles in a commercial or residential atmosphere. The purpose of an N95 mask is to protect you from particulate matter such as dust and the like, which can cause serious health hazards. N95 masks are required in all workplaces, especially for those working with chemicals. Some people are born or developed to be especially sensitive to dust or to airborne allergens, and in these cases, wearing a N95 mask can help protect them from health risks. Other people are not naturally born to be especially sensitive to dust or to airborne allergens, and in these cases, wearing a N95 mask may actually make them more prone to health problems because of the increased exposure to dust and other irritants. Find Out – dmbsupply.com/collections/n95-masks

N95 Masks, Filters, And More

If you have an allergy to dust and/or airborne allergens, you should wear N95 masks when you are at work. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published guidelines on the proper use and maintenance of N95 masks. These guidelines were designed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Both these organizations have tested and evaluated the performance of different types of N95 masks. They have determined that disposable masks are generally ineffective for filtering dust and thereby should not be used.

In addition to using disposable N95 masks, frontline workers (firefighters, EMT workers, etc.) who have a tendency to be at greater risk of serious respiratory illnesses are better served by using a face mask that is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to meet their protection requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that all masks meet certain basic performance characteristics, such as fit testing, leak resistance, comfort, easy cleaning and easy installation. The fit testing test is performed by the mask manufacturer to ensure the system works well within the patient’s head.