Corona Virus Protection: N-Series vs P-Series Masks, which is better?

Not all pollution masks a.k.a Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators are the same. There are the N-series, of which the N95 is what you’ve been asked to acquire by news portals or dailies.

There are the N99 and N100, the apex masks in the N-series. Heard about them?

There’s also the P-series, which is superior to the entire N-series. How? The N-Series is limited to filtering out airborne pollutants (including viruses) but is ineffective against oil based pollutant particles, like say those emitted from combustion of petrol or diesel. While the P-series filters out even the oil based pollutants (99.97% in case of the P100 mask).

Why isn't a reader told about all prevailing options is something which bothered me for years.

Case in point A: The N95 mask is all that has been recommended by major news portals, when the top N-series mask is the N100.

Case in point B: The N-95 mask is recommended by all, without even a line dedicated to the P-series. Sure! The N95 is easily available in India, will protect against #CoronaVirus and is perhaps a bit lower in price point vs the P series masks, but at least let the reader know what options exist. Let him or her decide. We don't complete the picture anymore do we? Shouldn't we try to? Atleast in case of articles related to Emergencies & Disasters?

For now do read this highly informative piece by the USA based government body, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), a credible organization, which will run you through all kinds of pollution masks and also authorized manufacturers of the same.

And please buy a suitable piece of self and family. Better have one handy try buy in emergencies, when the stocks are less and price inflated! https://lnkd.in/fEeHdMk