How to Avoid Substandard Masks

This past weekend the CBC released a video about problems with fake or substandard KN95 masks that are sold by many retailers. They bought a bunch of different brands from Amazon, Walmart, Lowes, etc., and had them tested for filtration efficiency by a university lab.

Half of the masks they tested did not meet the standard of filtering 95% of virus-sized particles. One brand, Seal Goods, which is for sale on Amazon, tested as low at 19% filtration efficiency.  

The video claims there are three red flags indicating you might be dealing with a sketchy brand:

  • Failure to list a manufacturer on the packaging. 
  • Having the FDA logo on the package or mask (the FDA doesn't permit its logo to be used in this way). 
  • Use of ziplock bags or other unmarked packaging.

Maddeningly, the video does not say which brands it tested did meet the 95% standard. However, a recent article in Health lists six brands you can buy online that are also on the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization list.  

One of the items is the Powecom KN95 Protective Mask (available on Amazon). The manufacturer claims it is tested by the CDC's National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory. Test results show that the mask has 99.76 filtration efficiency.

I use the Powecom masks and have found them comfortable. (I haven't received any compensation for mentioning them here.)


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