Government Healthcare Policy, Business and Technology

Nearly 70% of N95 masks from China fail U.S. filtration standards

Modern Healthcare: Respirator masks made in China and purchased by U.S.-based healthcare systems often don't meet federal filtration standards, according to a new analysis by the not-for-profit patient safety organization ECRI.

N95 respirator masks are used by healthcare personnel when interacting with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Shortages of these masks in the U.S. has forced some providers desperate for them during the COVID-19 pandemic to buy from suppliers that haven't received certification from the U.S. government, many of which are based in China. These masks tend to be called KN95. In an analysis of nearly 200 masks from 10 mask models manufactured in China, ECRI found 60% to 70% of the masks didn't filter 95% of aerosolized particles as their name suggests and is standard for N95 respirator masks in the U.S.

Read article