Wednesday

Coming Up To Speed On NIOSH N95 Masks

By Kyle Zoltowski

When it comes to biological warfare and outbreaks, it is best to cover yourself and your family from contracting a bad virus or sickness. N95 masks and respirators give you a block from particles in the air that can hurt you.

N95 masks and respirators give you a block from particles in the air that can hurt you. However, recent finding have concluded that some of the cheaper paper-made masks are not effective in blocking out harmful air contaminants, and more specifically, swine flu. There are alternatives of N95's; for instance respirators that keep out almost 100 percent of harmful air particles.

The paper-mask types of respirators are said to be effective for things like mowing the lawn, working in a medical setting, and removing paint chips and drywall. However, many believe that they should not be used for outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic proportions. N95 face masks are sometimes made of paper that becomes less effective as sweat, dust, and other dirt get onto the mask. Also, many of these less expensive masks are made to be disposable after one use; some push the envelope and try to use the mask more than once. Many people are saying that diseases and certain types of biological weapons can only be filtered out by the use of an N95 respirator.

The N95 respirator is available in several different brands. The most important thing when choosing a N95 respirator is to make sure that it is stamped with NIOSH N95 on the package. This means that the respirator meets the standards of government issued efficiency. The N95 respirator is proven to block particles of tuberculosis and anthrax spores. The effectiveness is said to be very high in the N95 respirator for the fact that it can block tiny particles; while other types cannot do the job. Respirators are equipped for much smaller particles and are made from material that lasts and does not break down in composition; this is a the biggest difference between disposable masks and respirators.

The N95 masks and respirators, today, are said to be ineffective in a air born gas attack. Professionals say that there are respirators that can block gas and chemical pollutants but they are quite expensive and not affordable for everyone. With either a mask or respirator, the fit around the nose is most important in shielding one's self viruses and other dangerous things in the air. Some people suggest that you seal the mask or respirator around the mouth and nose so there is no space the air can travel through.

N95 masks and respirators are very effective in blocking out disease. Be it an epidemic outbreak or a area hit with a chemical bomb, you are much better off if you wear a N95 mask or respirator. Blocking your nose and mouth from these harmful pollutants in the air can mean life or death depending on what you are blocking out. But for sure - you are better safe than sorry. You are much better off wearing the mask or respirator than not wearing it. - 26706

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