There's one mask guideline that hasn't changed throughout the pandemic — you definitely should be wearing one.Between the time the pandemic began and the year ended, US Customs and Border Protection seized over 14.6 million counterfeit face masks entering the US, the agency told CNN.
Before filtering facepiece respirators — a fancy term that includes N95 masks — can be used in any workplace, they must be certified by NIOSH. Are there website flaws, like unfinished or blank pages, dummy text, broken links and misspelled domains?Does the listing call the product"genuine" or"real"? Legitimate companies don't need to tell buyers their products are real — at least not in the product name.
The approval number on your mask should begin with"TC." The mask should also have a NIOSH logo printed on it. This image from the CDC can help you identify your mask's markings.Some other red flags to look out for include:Ear loops instead of head bands. Head bands are crucial to the N95's tight fit.Got a real mask? Share these resources
Criminal organizations are also trying to sell counterfeit pharmaceuticals, other PPE and medical devices to"unsuspecting American consumers," CBP Executive Director for Trade Policies and Programs, John Leonard, told CNN.