N95 Mask "False Sense Of Security" - Event Date: July 27 2006

This was sent to me by a microbiologist in Washington and he has informed me that the N95 mask although very cost effective it is completely useless against H5N1 virus. He refers it to trying to filter sand with a pasta strainer! The H5N1 virus is so much smaller than .3um. Why on earth would anyone want to wear a N95 mask which is only 95% effective? Would it not be more prudent to wear a mask that is 99.99% effective? Would it not be wiser to actually use a mask that's been tested with biological agents instead of salt particles? It's kind of like building a boat and spraying it with a hose then telling everyone it will float.  I understand that N95's are inexpensive and yes better than nothing. But why is everyone so quick to accept it as being the best or only solution. Their are masks out there that will give you 99.99% protection. I've read that the H5N1 virus is attached to droplets and that the N95 will stop it from passing through. What about the 5% that might get through. How long will the 95% efficiency of the mask last? Not all face masks provide the same level of performance hour after hour of use. Studies show that when subjected to bio-aerosols, the performances of most face masks deteriorate significantly over time unless there is a antimicrobial agent which protects it against microbial deterioration of the filtration media. 

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/infectioncontrol/ppe/comp/n95.html

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/pdfs/Nanoguard062906.pdf  Nanoguard Warning

4 thegirls,