Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 4

N95 Respirators: A Guide for Canadian Dentists Counterfeit, sub-standard and non-equivalent N95-like respirators are flooding the marketplace as the demand for N95 respirators continues to rise. These products have not been certified and will not deliver the same respiratory protection as N95 respirators, which are certified by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). N95 Compliance, Fit, Varieties and Markings •  Compliance: NIOSH-certified N95 respirators are compliant with specifications, which ensure that when used properly, they will filter at least 95% of very small test particles, such as airborne pathogens. •  Fit: NIOSH-certified N95 respirators have a strong head band design (not ear loops) that applies the needed pressure to achieve a proper fit and seal on the face. •  Varieties: N95 respirators come in two varieties, including a commercial grade that is not tested for fluid resistance and a surgical grade that is tested for fluid resistance. •  Markings: NIOSH-certified N95 respirators have an approval label on or within the packaging of the respirator (on the box itself), as well as markings on each of the individual respirators. N95 Equivalents In response to the shortage of N95 medical grade masks, Health Canada has approved a select number of alternative masks (including select KN95 models by specific manufacturers) and half respirators that meet or exceed NIOSH standards. KN95 models that meet the filtration criteria continue to be sold and used as equivalent to NIOSH-certified N95 respirators. Public Works and Government Services Canada maintains a list of NIOSH N95 alternatives (see “N95 Resources”). Failed KN95 Respirators: Design, Filtration and Fit Recent testing performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified significant concerns with the fit and filtration of some KN95 respirators, specifically those with ear loop designs, which generally did not achieve proper fit. Several models of KN95 respirators also failed to meet the filtration criteria of 95%. Health Canada requested manufacturers and importers to stop the sale of any products that do not meet the filtration 12 | 2020 | Issue 4 CDA at W ork