Recent federal government guidance cautions workers trying to protect themselves from hazards such as sand, silica dust or COVID-19 to carefully consider the source of their respiratory protection, according to www.constructiondive.com.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says counterfeit respirators are being sold in the U.S. and the models—many of them made in China—may not be capable of providing appropriate respiratory protection.
NIOSH has posted a list of dozens of suspect brands on its website, as well as what to look for in approved face coverings. NIOSH-approved respirators have an approval label on or within the packaging of the respirator and/or within the instructions containing one the following designations: N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99 or P100. Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit include:
- No markings
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly
- The presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons such as sequins
- Claims approved for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children)
- Ear loops instead of headbands
View NIOSH’s list of counterfeit respirators and tips for buying respirators.
