3m n95 cdc maskWho is NIOSH? The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) coordinates with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address national health needs associated with preventing the spread of swine flu and providing information to workers and employers.

What does N95 Mean? The N95 designation is an efficiency rating that means the mask blocks about 95% percent of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger.

What is a Micron? Normally particles greater than 5 microns fall out of the air.  Particles 1 – 5 microns in diameter can enter upper airways 0.1 – 1 micron particles can enter lower lungs and alveolar ducts

Examples of particle size:
Viruses 0.02 to 0.3 microns
Bacteria 0.5 to 10 microns
Mold spores 1 to 70 microns
Fungi 2 to >200 microns

What’s so special about the N95 mask? Also known as a N95 Respirator.  The N95 respirator masks are not  regular surgical masks,  surgical masks are loose fitting and porous and provide little protection against particles as small as viruses, according to the few trials that have been carried out. N95 masks are similar in appearance to surgical masks, but are designed to form a tight seal against the wearer’s skin. If fitted and worn properly, the masks block out at least 95% of virus particles.

Make sure it fits:
1. Cover front of respirator mask by cupping both hands.
2. Inhale sharply. A negative pressure should be felt inside respirator mask. If leakage is detected at respirator edges, adjust straps by pulling back along the sides and/or reposition respirator.
3. Repeat until mask is sealed properly.
4. User must be clean-shaven. Any facial hair, such as beards or long sideburns, may prevent the respirator from fitting properly. Entry into a contaminated area with an improper fit may result in sickness or death.

Types of masks descriptions:
N95 Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
N99 Filters at least 99% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
N100 Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.
R95 Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Somewhat resistant to oil.
P95 Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.
P100 Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.

Contrary to popular belief, the brand name of the mask is not nearly as important as the rating. To help prevent the spread of the H1N1 Swine Flu, it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that you use a mask with a rating of N95 or higher.

For more information on N95 respirator masks or to place an order, visit www. Activeforever.com or call Brian Narducci at (800) 377-8033, extension 116.

Who is NOISH?-The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NOISH) coordinates with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address national health needs associated with preventing the spread of swine flu and providing information to workers and employers.

What does N95 Mean?- The N95 designation is an efficiency rating that means the mask blocks about 95% percent of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger.

What is a Micron? – Normally particles greater than 5 microns fall out of the air. Particles 1 – 5 microns in diameter can enter upper airways 0.1 – 1 micron particles can enter lower lungs and alveolar ducts
Examples of particle size:
Viruses 0.02 to 0.3 microns
Bacteria 0.5 to 10 microns
Mold spores 1 to 70 microns
Fungi 2 to >200 microns

What’s so special about the N95 mask? – Also known as a N95 Respirator. The N95 respirator masks are not regular surgical masks, surgical masks are loose fitting and porous and provide little protection against particles as small as viruses, according to the few trials that have been carried out. N95 masks are similar in appearance to surgical masks, but are designed to form a tight seal against the wearer’s skin. If fitted and worn properly, the masks block out at least 95% of virus particles.

Make sure it fits- 1. Cover front of respirator mask by cupping both hands. 2. Inhale sharply. A negative pressure should be felt inside respirator mask. If leakage is detected at respirator edges, adjust straps by pulling back along the sides and/or reposition respirator. 3. Repeat until mask is sealed properly. 4. User must be clean-shaven. Any facial hair, such as beards or long sideburns, may prevent the respirator from fitting properly. Entry into a contaminated area with an improper fit may result in sickness or death.

Types of masks descriptions:

N95 Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.

N99 Filters at least 99% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.

N100 Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Not resistant to oil.

R95 Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Somewhat resistant to oil.

P95 Filters at least 95% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.

P100 Filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles. Strongly resistant to oil.

Contrary to popular belief, the brand name of the mask is not nearly as important as the rating. To help prevent the spread of the H1N1 Swine Flu, it is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that you use a mask with a rating of N95 or higher.

For more information on N95 respirator masks or to place an order, visit www. Activeforever.com or call Brian Narducci at (800) 377-8033, extension 116.