The N95 as PPE

To the Editor,

     This pandemic has wreaked havoc on the elder folks. The current advice has been to wear the N95 (facemask) or a cloth when out in public.

     The idea was to prevent your sneeze from infecting others through projection. What was not said was that it does not provide much protection from receiving the same droplets from others.

     N95 is the NIOSH way of saying it will prevent 95 percent of all particles down to .3 microns from your breathing zone. (Virus is usually smaller than that.) And it only gets 95 percent of droplets – not 100 percent. Is 5 percent enough to get you sick? Well, let’s say OSHA would probably not approve of it under normal circumstances.

     Recently, Ford and 3M have started a joint venture to produce a powered air-purifying respirator that will protect you. Used with a head covering, a mask, and a hose for your hip (where a battery and HEPA filter reside). It does provide good protection, especially for doctors, nurses, and caring staff.

     They cost about $300 to $400 each and they are in limited supply. That is why you haven’t seen them on the news much and recommended for use. There just aren’t enough of them to go around. Each caregiver should have one and a suit to prevent transmission to staff and patients. Decontamination of equipment and personnel should be done both coming and going to prevent transfer of this contagion.

     The N95 is only “a feel good” measure of protection; only slightly better than nothing. If you are on the receiving end of the spray. Knowledge is power. Protect yourself until the vaccine is available. If you are older, you may want to stay out of public places. Send someone to get your meds and groceries if you want to avoid the issue. Perhaps your church has volunteers to get them to you? It doesn’t hurt to ask.

     To get real affordable protection use a hepa filtered ½ mask, available at Theisen’s or a farm store for less than $30. It is bulkier than the N95, but it will keep you from touching your face. Wash after each use in soapy water. You only need to wear it in public places with gloves, not in your home. It’s a bit awkward but it is twice to 10 times safer than N95 or cloth.

Stephen J. Intlekofer

Respiratory Protection Trainer

for asbestos removal since 1987