The N95 mask is one of nine types of particulate protection masks certified by NIOSH. "N" means not resistant to oil. "95" means exposure to a specified number of specific test particles, with a concentration more than 95 percent lower inside the mask than outside the mask. 95% is not the average, but the minimum. N95 is not a specific product name, as long as the product meets the N95 standard and passes the NIOSH review can be called "N95 mask". The protection level of N95 means that under the detection conditions specified in NIOSH standard, the filtration efficiency of mask filter material on non-oily particulate matter (such as dust, acid mist, paint mist, microorganism, etc.) can reach 95%.
As the world's largest producer of masks, China accounts for more than 50% of the world's production of masks.
N95 masks are a "barrier" between COVID-19 and human health. It can be attached to the wearer's face and filter out 95 percent of fine particles and germs in the air, but surgical masks and other masks cannot do this. At present, N95 masks are in short supply due to COVID-19, becoming a more iconic "symbol" than other protective equipment.
Masks cannot be bagged and transported as soon as they are produced. According to national regulations, after sterilization for 16 hours, masks must be put in an analytical store to evaporate sterilized gas for 14 days before they can be transported and sold, not one day less.
The N95 mask has a filtration efficiency of more than 95% for particles with aerodynamic diameter of 0.3µm. The aerodynamic diameter of airborne bacterial and fungal spores mainly varies between 0.7-10µm, which is also within the protective range of the N95 mask. Therefore, THE N95 respirator can be used for respiratory protection of certain particles, such as dust generated by grinding, cleaning and handling of minerals, flour and some other materials, and also for liquid or non-oil particles produced by spraying that do not produce harmful volatile gases. Effectively filters and decontaminates odors breathed (except toxic gases), helps reduce exposure to certain microbiological particles (such as mold, anthrax, mycobacterium tuberculosis, etc.), but does not eliminate the risk of contact infection, illness or death