The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that there are counterfeit N95 masks currently on the market, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
The agency posted photos of dozens of counterfeit N95 masks on its website.
Real masks are marked as being approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), according to the agency.
According to the CDC, here are the signs that a respirator might be counterfeit:
- No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator (FFR).
- No approval (TC) number on the FFR or headband.
- No NIOSH markings.
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly.
- Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins).
- Claims for the of approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children).
- Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands.
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