The N95 mask is a popular, shortened title for the N95 mask, a common, uncomplicated face mask that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard. The EPA has established several limits for the amount of air pollution that may be present in a certain area. Areas are classified as safe, hazardous, or both.
The purpose of wearing an N95 mask
N95 mask and the related N95 mask are among the most important pieces of equipment that are required by law to be worn by millions of Americans due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. The two main purposes of these masks are to protect public health and prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Efficient N95 masks are worn in public settings such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, private residences, and more. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of air-purifying respirators is one of the most important means used to reduce the risks of infections and disease spread due to exposure to infectious air particles.
The filters used in the mask and its material
N95 mask and its accompanying filter are made up of two key components: a particulate filter and an airflow-encompassing liner. The filter is typically made of activated carbon, charcoal, polycarbonate, or other materials. Activated carbon, charcoal, and polycarbonate are particularly effective in reducing the dust and chemical emissions from combustion processes and power plants. The porous surface of many N95 masks allows a small amount of fresh air to pass through it and provide protection to the wearer. On the other hand, a filter with a large surface area will allow a larger volume of fresh air to pass through and prevent the entering of bacteria and particulates.
Specifically designed with positive air pressure
A majority of the N95 masks available in the market are fitted with positive air pressure (PAIP), which helps prevent the occurrence of asthmatic attacks during and after exposure to infectious aerosols. According to WHO, a recent study showed that a high percentage of persons living in areas with higher N95 levels suffer from asthmatic attacks. To address this concern, healthcare providers have developed several types of respiratory protective equipment for use in such areas. Currently, there is no recommended guideline available in the developed world regarding the ideal level of N95 face masks for preventing the occurrence of asthmatic attacks. The only advice available from the International Respiratory Society and the World Health Organization (WHO) is to maintain a positive pressure of at least 8 PSI against airborne particles to reduce the risks of asthmatic attacks.
Understand the features of the N95 mask
- The filter performance of the N95 mask is 95%.
- Inhalation resistance-maximum pressure drop is 343 Pa.
- Exhalation resistance-maximum pressure drop is 245 Pa.
- The flow rate for the air is 85 L/min.
- The testing agent for N95 mask is NaCl (Sodium Chloride).
In addition to protecting health care workers from the serious risks of airborne pathogens, N95 masks also contribute to the well-being of the wearer. A variety of studies have shown the psychological benefits of wearing N95 mask. A number of surveys have shown that the number of patients willing to receive healthcare services who were offered a choice between wearing N95 mask and a facemask increased significantly when the latter was used instead. A number of studies have indicated that the wearing of N95 masks has also had an effect on behavior in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that is prone to developing respiratory problems. The level of stress that patients who wore masks encountered was significantly less than those who wore a facemask. Similarly, the level of pain experienced by patients suffering from asthma was lower when they wore masks than when they wore a facemask.
Uses of N95 mask can reduce the risk of acute respiratory diseases
It is believed that the use of N95 masks may reduce the risk of people suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (arrows). A research project carried out in Finland has indicated that persons who wear N95 facepieces while they are working in the kitchens of these establishments are less likely to suffer from a bout of asbestosis. A separate study carried out in the US has also indicated that persons who suffer from acute respiratory distress syndrome are at a lesser risk of contracting a strain of the flu once they begin to wear N95 mask. This is because respiratory infections are known to be less common in persons who wear N95 filters facepieces than in persons who do not. There are also a number of studies that have indicated that N95 filters facepieces can help protect workers from the serious consequences of inhaling large quantities of dust. In one such study, employees who wore N95 mask while working in a computer factory were found to be 20% less likely to suffer from serious eye injuries caused by dust particles.
If you are keenly looking forward to protecting your family and your own health then you must consider buying the N95 mask. These masks are useful even in preventing the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. In recent studies, it has been proved that these masks are most effective in filtering small droplets of virus up to 0.3 microns. These masks can easily be purchased from online sellers like accumed.com for genuine quality and affordable prices.