To combat the rising concern of potentially dangerous Omicron variants, the global population returns back to imperative safety precautions. Once again, face masks & respirators become important to safeguard against viruses. But what matters a lot is a genuine supply of N95 mask from wholesale PPE suppliers who is certified and FDA verified.
The highly contagious Omicron virus has hit the world by storm with an extensive spreading approach among people. Once again, there is a maddening rush towards protective self and others by following the necessary precautions. Specifically, by using high-quality respirators like N95, K95, and more.
However, there is a nagging concern over the counterfeited range of face masks spread across the marketplace. And, it is not stopping, until, you find the way to tell the real difference between genuine and fake ones.
So, for this reason, specifically, we have come up with useful information on the red signs or flags you must while buying a face protector to stay safe against Covid-19.
But before that, let’s check on the rising issue of fake respirators based on the recent surveys and analysis.
What Does the Survey Say About Counterfeited Face Masks?
The number of imposter face mask ranges has extensively spread across a wide area. No matter, if the same is supplied by an established brand or a newcomer in the industry, the issue is taking a heavy toll on the health of people around.
Concerning the same, ECRI (a non-profit organization advises the healthcare institutes and hospitals about checking the accuracy of face masks). According to this particular body, 60% to 70% N95 and K95 respirators do not provide the expected filtration level to 95%. In fact, Federal agencies seized the consignment of 2.1 million counterfeited N95 masks in 2020 and the situation carried forward to 2021. Even, investigators confiscated 2 million fake masks purchased and used by unsuspected hospitals in Portland, Maine.
The best way to deal with fake encounters with respirators is to buy in bulk from wholesale N95 masks manufacturers in the USA, that are trusted and offer FDA approved stock. Still, it is difficult to rectify the dubious stock of protective gear, if you are not aware of a few red flags. For this reason, we bring forth here useful signs to look into the bulk quantity of N95 or K95 face masks.
8 Red Flags to Watch Out & Prevent Fake Face Mask Usage
1. Sealed or Unsealed: Legitimate N95 masks made in the USA only arrive in bulk at your location with a properly sealed and packed item. It is to provide the unsuspected packaging and relevancy of face protectors. In case, the seal is broken or the bag of the mask has twist-tied or zip-zop closed, then it is a fake one.
2. No Company Information: High and genuine quality face masks always have the legitimate brand name and location mentioned on the same. It provides details as to where the mask has been manufactured with the complete address and website mention of the brand.
3. No Expiry Date: There is always an expiry date of a respirator in terms of particle-repelling electrostatic charge. It depicts the real-time usage timeline of N95 masks and when it is going to protect you. So, the absence of such a small detail means a counterfeited product.
4. Incorrect Official Terminology: If the packaging of N95 masks says, it is an FDA approved protector, then it is a fake one. This is because of the fact that FDA never approves a mask, instead approve a brand to supply genuine protective products. N95 masks are approved by NIOSH.
5. No Branding: No brand mention on the mask, whether it is N95 or K95, is also a sign of counterfeited product. You need to check the company’s name and further details on the packaging itself.
6. Quality Control Issues: Quality issue of a mask can be confirmed by checking the elasticity of ear loops. If it is on the loose end, then, it’s not the right protective gear for you.
7. NIOSH Mark is Missing: NIOSH certification mention should be there on the mask.
8. Labelled for Children Only: If the label on the N95 or K95 mask mention it as only meant for children, then rectify the fake item here. It is due to the fact that there is no specific children N95 and K95 masks available. They are meant for adults only and that too in a universal size pattern.
Final Note
Staying protected under the new threat of the Omicron virus requires attention to detail in terms of face mask buying tasks. Check out the imperative key points while buying the bulk quantity of masks from one of the genuine personal protective equipment companies in the USA. To help you with that, Co-Defend is a pioneer manufacturer that offers high-quality respirators in bulk.