The demand for surgical face masks and N95 (KN95) respirators have sky rocketed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of early April, 2020, Chinese factories have been producing more than 100 million masks per day. That's a 450% increase in production from just a few months ago. These levels of output are huge but in no way meeting global demand for these protective devices. The result is a huge outlet for fake masks.
So how can you test your mask without spending thousands on lab tests?
Follow these 3 simple DIY home tests to see if your protected. WARNING - These steps will render the test mask useless.
- Put on your mask, make sure it's a good snug fit and try blowing out the flame from a lighter. If the you can do it, your mask is most likely a fake.
- Hold your mask by the strap with the inside of the mask pointing up, forming a cup shape. Fill the mask with water. If any fluid penetrates the mask and drips or is even moist on the front side of the mask, you most likely have a fake.
- Cut out a section of the mask and separate the layers. The middle meltblown layer is the really important part that filters 95% of particles. In addition to a visual inspection, take a small section of the middle layer and hold it to a flame (carefully). This fabric should melt instead of light like paper would. If it burns like tissue paper, it's fake.
STAY SAFE!
