During the COVID-19 pandemic, we rely on first responders and ready responders to care for those affected, putting themselves at a high level risk of exposure to the virus that causes the disease. Healthcare, EMS, and others use engineering and administrative controls to protect these workers from this exposure such as ventilation, barriers, and written exposure control programs. Additionally, at-risk employees use respiratory protection, among other personal protective equipment (PPE), to stay safe. Respiratory protection is a vital part of the personal protective equipment ensemble as it prevents users from inhaling aerosolized virus. Cloth masks and surgical masks are not considered respirators or PPE because they don’t adequaltey protect workers from inhaling the virus. A properly sized, fit tested N95 is the minimum that will adequately protect first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are the differences between KN95 vs N95 masks?
An N95 mask refers to a mask certified by the NIOSH (the federal National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) to filter out 95% of sub micron particles (a millionth of a meter). KN95 masks are produced in China under China’s regulations. Many are purchasing KN95 masks due to the N95 shortages, but there are major concerns. The KN95’s do not pass fit tests for a tight facial seal which is necessary to get full protection. This is because they come in only one size and use loose fitting ear loops, whereas the N95s come in multiple sizes and have two tight fitting straps. Another concern is that there have proven to be many counterfeit KN95s that don’t meet the 95% filtration requirements.
Use of a Cloth Mask
The CDC has recommended that essential workers and the general public use cloth or other available masks in public settings to slow the spread of COVID-19. While these will not protect against inhalation of aerosols, they capture a significant amount of exhaled aerosols, and thereby serve as a source control. They protect people who are exposed to the wearer from what is coming out of their breaths.”
