The main difference between types and classifications of face covers is the one between cloth options or particulate respirators. There are many options for cloth, including scarves, bandanas, and scarves. You may also see bluish, medical-looking cloth masks in hospitals or on TV long before you were aware of the coronavirus. Dr. Peter, a pediatric dentist in Arlington, Virginia, points out one huge difference between these cloth face masks and respirator masks. Cloth masks are those that you may see in healthcare settings. They really designed to protect others, from the person wearing the mask. Furthermore, to catch and filter what you are breathing out. So that, for example, a doctor doesn’t infect a patient by leaving an open wound.
N95 Masks
N-95 mask have gained a lot of visibility and attention since the COVID-19 pandemic began. They have been among the most in-demand and most recommended by governments and infectious disease experts. You might consider this the gold standard of personal protective equipment. The CDC recommends these masks. NIOSH regulates and approves masks with FDA. It has been proven to remove 95% of all airborne particles. Ultra-fine particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Uses of N95 and N99 masks
There are many uses for these respirator masks. This was true before the coronavirus, and it will continue to be so.
Virus Protection
While the government wants everyone vaccinated, the fact is that no vaccine is 100% effective. Some vaccines are not effective in protecting against new coronavirus strains, such as the rapidly spreading Delta variant. A respirator such as this, which filters out 95%-99% of the airborne virus particles, may offer greater protection than a vaccine. From here on out, it is clear we all need effective masks on hand for emergencies, if not everyday life, and especially any type of travel or public transportation.
Healthcare Settings
This is the gold standard for respiratory protection. This is especially true in cases of infectious diseases or emergency situations such as building collapses.
Returning to Water-Damaged Buildings
It is recommended to use this method when you enter any building or site that may have suffered water damage. Such as returning to homes, rental properties, and offices after flooding, major storms, and hurricanes. Any water infiltration, even for a short period of time, can result in toxic mold, which can have rapid and severe health consequences.
Dust Masks
The N-95 mask and N99 are effective dust masks for hazardous work environments from construction sites to home remodeling, hobby rooms, and wood and metalworking shops.
Daily Air Pollution
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that air pollution causes at least seven million premature deaths a year. It can also cause a wide range of health problems, including lung cancers, respiratory problems, and attacks on vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Because our organs aren’t at their best, we are more vulnerable to other medical threats like viruses. WHO warns that 9/10 people around the world are breathing air that is above their pollution standards every day. In some countries, wearing masks and respirators is just a part of everyday life because of this. This should be more widespread in cities. So what do you think which one is better? The N99 vs N95?