An N95 mask is a common, short-form name for an N95 face respirator, which is an all-purpose, particulate-filter respirator that generally meets or exceeds the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regulations. These regulations are based on criteria laid out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
As part of these regulations, an N95 respirator should meet two basic requirements: First, it should filter out dust particles and other airborne particles, and second, it should provide adequate protection against chemical vapors and aerosols. This combination ensures that an N95 respirator will not only protect a person’s airways and lungs from chemical vapors and aerosols but also prevent them from becoming poisoned in other ways. The following are other things that an N95 mask must do.
To filter out dust particles, an N95 mask must have a HEPA filter. HEPA filters can be found in a variety of materials. Some N95 masks are made with metal HEPA filters. Other N95 masks are made with a plastic filter called a polycarbonate filter. Either type can be effective, but the metal HEPA filter provides the most effective protection against airborne dust.
The best filters provide adequate protection
Respirators made with polycarbonate filters are less expensive than HEPA filters and offer higher levels of protection. They can also be more easily cleaned because they do not need to be replaced as often. Plastic filters also do not need to be changed as often.
Respirators made with a HEPA filter are available in both disposable and long-term types. Disposable HEPA masks can be thrown away after use and do not contain the chemical irritants that other types of respirators do. On the other hand, long-term respirators may be washed occasionally to remove dust particles, but do not have a disposable option. Long-term respirators are usually used during emergency situations and are therefore less expensive than disposable ones. Because they are usually cleaned only when they are needed, they are usually less expensive.
An N95 mask is designed to provide protection against a range of common hazards, including asbestos, lead, chemicals, vapors, and aerosols. It may not be able to provide complete protection if an individual becomes ill or develops a disease that can cause breathing problems, but a good quality mask can greatly reduce the risks of exposure to these chemicals and harmful chemicals.
If you are looking forward to buying the N95 mask then you must check out the nearby retail store or a pharmacy. As these masks are no so difficult to find. However, you can also check the online options as well, there are several online sellers like accumed.com that are also selling these masks.