NatureScapes.net Forums

I still see many photographers and birders not wearing a mask when in close quarters.  The CBC’s MarketPlace conducted a test of various types of face masks to see how each model did at filtering particles like the coronavirus.  One type of mask did surprisingly well almost as good as the industry standard, 3M’s N95.  It has to do with the material and construction. Very important is the fit.  My dental hygienist can’t  use a N95 mask until she gets it fitted properly.  Although the mask is good at filtering particles, it will not be as effective if it is not fitted correctly.

For general use, if your glasses fog up with the mask on, the fit is too loose allowing air/your breathe to rise up thru the top of the mask.  I just adjust the thin metal band at the top of the mask’s nose bridge and no more fogging up.  While the blue non-medical surgical face masks may not be perfect, any face mask is better than not wearing one.  

The full report can be seen in the Market Place show tonight on the CBC. 

10:44:38MarketPlace tests face masks


Related article.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/ask-covid-mask-questions-1.5782108

I think the N95 is a 3M product, not IBM.  Are you referencing CBC or CDC?  

Thanks

pablo wrote:I think the N95 is a 3M product, not IBM.  Are you referencing CBC or CDC?  

Thanks

Typo   Fixed.  CBC - our national broadcaster. Thanks.   

N95 masks are not a 3M proprietary product, although they are one of the most prominent. Here’s a link to manufacturers:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/ ... st1-a.html

There are a lot of counterfeits around:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernot ... tResp.html

Here’s more on KN95 masks, which are commonly sold as equivalent to N95 masks:

https://www.ecri.org/press/up-to-70-of- ... -standards

Joe

If you haven't been fit tested in an N95, it may not be any better than any other mask.