How do you tell if your N95 face mask is fake or counterfeit?

Written By alex aleksandrovski
 

Counterfeit face masks and respirators are being falsely marketed and sold as being approved or certified and may not be capable of providing you appropriate protection.

There’s a few signs you may be able to tell a respirator is counterfeit:

  • No markings at all on the filtering face piece respirator.

  • No approval (TC) number on the filtering face piece respirator or headband.

  • No NIOSH or CE markings.

  • NIOSH spelt incorrectly.

  • Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g. sequins, foils etc)

  • Claims for the approval for children. (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children)

  • Filtering face mask has ear loops instead of headbands.

Here’s a list of CDC approved masks and images of counterfeit face masks:

Counterfeit Face Masks

Counterfeit Face Masks - Counterfeit Respirators - Fake Facemasks

Examples of Illegitimate Masks

Illegitimate Masks, Non Certified Face Masks, Not NIOSH Approved Facemasks

Examples of Misleading Marketing on the Packaging

Face Masks wrong Packaging. How do I tell my face mask is certified?
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Example of the correct exterior markings on a NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirator

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alex aleksandrovski
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