N95

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

N95 mask is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used to protect the wearer from airborne particles and from liquid contaminating the face. The 'N95' designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The N95 mask is a particulate-filtering facepiece respirator that meets the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 classification of air filtration. This means that it filters at least 95% of airborne particles. The N95 type is the most common particulate-filtering facepiece respirator. It is an example of a mechanical filter respirator, which provides protection against particulates, but not gases or vapors.

Usage[edit | edit source]

N95 masks are used in a variety of settings, but primarily in healthcare and construction industries, due to their ability to filter out airborne particles. They are also used by the general public during pandemics or other health emergencies.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

While N95 masks are effective at filtering out airborne particles, they do not provide complete protection against airborne diseases. They are not designed to protect against exposure to harmful chemicals or gases, and they do not provide oxygen.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


N95 Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD