Before some months ago, the term N95 meant nothing to us. But now, it’s hard to think of a day without an N95 Mask. The new normal has made so many changes, and along with that, it has also bought a new trend called personal protective equipment (PPE) called a mask. Before, it was only certain for dentists, doctors, therapists, and other social & personal care workers to wear masks, and it is now important for all people to wear masks to protect themselves from COVID-19 and other diseases. Read on to discover about the person behind the N95 mask.
What is N95 Mask?
The N95 masks are known as filtering facepiece respirators that fit correctly around the face and protect you from airborne particles.
N: The term “N” refers to non-resistant oil, which means you can use the mask when there are no oil-based particles present.
95: They have 95% of efficiency in filtering the smallest particles like dust, mists, and fumes. They can block up to 99% of the smallest airborne particles and can still allow you to breathe freely.
The Untold Story about N95 Mask
N95 masks and respirators were invented by Peter Tsai, a Taiwanese- American scientist, inventor, and expert in non woven fabric field. He received the patent for the N95 mask in the year 1995. The N95 masks are considered normal masks, but it slightly differs from other masks by its filter efficiency.
During the early stages, the masks were typically worn by medical workers and employees who work at factories and work with paints and chemicals. Later, Tsai worked on it and developed a new technique that doubles the filtration capacity of the N95 mask, which can attract and block viruses and bacteria.
By wearing N95 masks you not only protect yourself but also the one around you. These N95 masks are certified by NIOSH (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and they are not reusable. Since the spread of COVID-19 the N95 people keep on buying N95 masks and now there is a global demand for N95 masks.
The famous scientists who invented the N95 masks retired from teaching in the year 2018. During the COVID – 19 pandemic, he came out of his retirement to figure out the most effective and efficient way to reuse the N95 mask as there is a huge demand. He worked for 18-20 hours a day in order to reduce the current short supply.
Tsai found that baking the mask in the oven for 71-degree Celsius will reduce or let the virus die naturally. He also insisted that letting the mask stay for seven days without being touched will allow the viruses to die even if there are some on the surfaces. If you don’t have an N95, you can also opt for a cotton mask or any other nose and mouth coverings rather than not having one.
