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Up Close And Personal With N95 Respirators

By Kyle Zoltowski
Jul 10, 2009
When it comes to biological warfare and outbreaks, it is essential to block yourself and people around you from catching a harmful virus or sickness. N95 masks and respirators give safety from particles in the air that can hurt you.

N95 masks and respirators provide protection from breathing in harmful elements such as swine flu. However, recent finding have found out that some of the cheaper paper-made masks are worthless in blocking out smaller particles, and more specifically, swine flu. There are though various kinds of N95's; such as respirators that keep out almost 100 percent of harmful air particles.

The paper-mask types of N95 respirators are said to be effective for things like mowing the lawn, working in a medical setting, and removing paint chips and drywall. However, many believe that they shouldn't be used for outbreaks of epidemic or pandemic proportions. N95 masks are sometimes made of paper that becomes less effective as sweat, dust, and other dirt get onto the mask. Also, many of these cheaper masks are made to be disposable after one use; some push the envelope and try to use the mask more than once. Many pundits say that diseases and biological weapons can only be blocked out by the use of an N95 respirator.

The N95 respirator is available in several different brands. The thing to think about when selecting a N95 respirator is to make sure that it is stamped with NIOSH N95 on the box. standard states that the respirator qualifies in government issued efficiency. The N95 respirator blocks out particles of tuberculosis and anthrax spores. The ability to block is said to be very high in the N95 respirator because it can block out very small particles; where other methods of masking and blocking are not as effective. Respirators are equipped for much tinier particles and are made from material that lasts and does not break down in composition; this is a the biggest difference between disposable masks and respirators.

The N95 masks and respirators, however, are said to be weak for a chemical or gas attack. Scientists say that there are respirators that can protect against gas and chemical agents but they are rather expensive and therefore, not everyone can buy them. With either a mask or respirator, the fit around the nose is most important in blocking one's self against chemical and gas weapons of mass destruction. Some people recommend taping the mask or respirator around the mouth and nose to ensure no entryway for these harmful vapors.

N95 masks and respirators are successful in blocking out harmful elements. If there is either an epidemic outbreak or a area hit with a chemical bomb, you are much less likely to contract a harmful disease or sickness if you have a N95 mask or respirator. Blocking your nose and mouth from airborne diseases can result in life or death depending on what you are blocking out. But for sure - you are better safe than sorry. A mask, although not 100%, can save your life.
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