Between a rock and a hard place - 3M and N95 masks.

An N95 mask is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and efficient filtration of airborne particles.  The N95 respirator is comprised of four layers of material: an outer layer of spun-bond polypropylene, a second layer of cellulose / polyester, a third layer of melt-blown polypropylene filter material and an inner (fourth) layer of spun-bound polypropylene.  The outer active layer is coated with a hydrophilic plastic and the second inner layer is treated with copper and zinc ions, both layers inactivate influenza viruses.  The issue is the third layer of melt-blown polypropylene material as there is a world-wide shortage of the material with a roll selling for over 10 times its normal cost.

Trump has demanded that 3M restrict all its production of N95 masks, under the 1950’s era Defence Production Act, for domestic use.  Trump further requested 3M, which manufactures about 100 million N95 masks per month - about a third are made in the US, import more respirators made in its overseas factories into the US. 

The health concern for Canada and other countries is the fact the administration also requested that 3M cease exporting respirators manufactured in the United States to the Canadian and Latin American markets.  The company said “there are, however, significant humanitarian implications of ceasing respirator supplies to health-care workers in Canada and Latin America, where we are a critical supplier of respirators”.  The statement also warned that limiting supply to other countries could lead to them “retaliating” with similar measures. “If that were to occur, the net number of respirators being made available to the United States would actually decrease. That is the opposite of what we and the administration, on behalf of the American people, both seek,” the company said.

3M Canada said its “primary concern” is the safety of health-care workers, first responders and its employees and they are looking at every possible way to meet domestic needs for Canada.  3M has indicated that it “understands how important it is to continue to deliver on orders of respirator supplies to healthcare workers in Canada and Latin America where we are a critical supplier of respirators”. 

Canada does not manufacture any N95 masks domestically, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday that "it would be a mistake to create blockages or reduce trade".

"There are thousands of nurses in Windsor who work in Detroit every single day, and Americans depend on them. There are medical products and other essential goods that move across the border in both directions... these are things Americans rely on."

So, what can we do?

According to 3M’s 2019 annual report they have four main business segments:

1.          Safety and Industrial,

2.          Transportation and Electronics,

3.          Health Care, and

4.          Consumer products.

3M sales in the US are 40.9% of total world-wide sales, but the majority of sales is generated outside the US.  Further, health care is only 23.1% of total sales. Sales in consumer goods and safety/industrial account for 15.8% and 36.1% respectively.  Consumer products include office supply products, stationery products, home improvement products, home care products, protective material products, certain consumer retail personal safety products, and consumer health care products.  Safety / industrial consists of personal safety, industrial adhesives and tapes, abrasives, closure and masking systems, electrical markets, automotive aftermarket, and roofing granules.

The only way to get Trump’s attention is through financial or economic measures.  So, while politicians work towards a negotiated settlement, I suggest a two-prong response that everyone; in Canada and elsewhere; can actively participate in to try and achieve change:

Part One: 3M is a publicly traded company and is likely included in most people’s investments (such that they are these days) in areas like pension plans, RRSP, Provincial and Federal pension plans, and other similar investment vehicles. While 3M is not actively taking this path and has little choice, you do have choice.  You can contact your investment advisor, your pension plan administrator and your local elected representative and demand they DUMP all shares in 3M. 

Part Two: Stop buying 3M products.  This can be as easy as buying a different brand of tape, buying body shop supplies from a competitive line to 3M and other similar actions.

The solution to the global pandemic requires cooperation amongst nations, not the isolationist actions taken by Trump.