Face masks, respirators, and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), are crucial. They are used in construction, medical, and other industries. The - is used to filter out harmful particles and prevent the spread and contraction of infectious diseases. The - are the most effective face-covering option available, but many people want to know what to look for when purchasing one and if they can wash and reuse them.

What Are N99 Masks?

N99 masks or a - is a specific type of face-covering to filter what the user is breathing in. N99 Mask is a face-covering designed to filter the air that is being inhaled. These masks have two principal defining characteristics: N99 Masks form a tight seal against your face so that when you breathe in, the airflow coming in and out of your nose and mouth passes through the filtration material without leaking from the mask’s edges. N99 mask materials should be capable of capturing at least 99% particles from the user’s nose and mouth while they breathe. These characteristics mean that, unlike ordinary cave coverings, the N99 respirator seals tightly and has a high filtration capacity.

What to Consider When Buying an N99 Mask

N99 masks offer the best protection by filtering out 99.9% of airborne particles. However, they don’t all provide equal protection. The mask’s useful life is dependent upon its filters, which are the most important element of any efficient face mask. Consider the quality, type, and number of filters that your N99 mask will use. Carbon filters have the highest efficiency in filtering out viruses, bacteria, and chemicals. N99 masks that have breathing valves or micro ventilators make it easier to talk and breathe. N99 masks are available in a variety of sizes. Make sure that you have enough coverage for your nose, mouth, and chin. A face mask that doesn’t fit properly is essentially useless. Buy certified N99 masks; you want to use one that’s of the highest quality possible.Reusable Masks are an eco-friendly and economically sound option. However, there is a higher initial cost. If you engage in lots of physical activity or already have breathing difficulties, you can find N99 masks with two breathing valves to help you breathe easier.

Extending the Use of N99 Masks

N99 masks are disposable filtering respirators. It is best only to use one mask per day. Your N99 mask should be thrown away if it is contaminated with dangerous particles or becomes dirty throughout the day. But, during times where many people are wearing respirators and masks throughout the day, the CDC has put out information on how to sterilize N99 masks. Although they do not recommend that you reuse masks, you can sterilize N99 masks for reuse in an emergency.

These are the requirements for safe sterilization of an N99 mask washable:

The mask must remain effective against COVID-19. The sterilization must not affect the filtration capabilities. It must not have an impact on the fit of the user’s face. The mask must still be safe for the user.

These methods of decontamination are not recommended for N99 Masks:

Ethylene Oxide causes concerns for off-gassing. Ionizing Radiation can degrade filter performance. The use of microwaves can melt the respirator near metal components and compromise the fit. Autoclaves, high temperatures, and steam can cause filter degradation.

Sterilizing N99 Masks for Reuse

Three methods are showing the most potential to decontaminate N99 masks: using moist heat, vaporous hydrogen peroxide, or exposing the masks to UV radiation. Every mask should be checked for damage and passed a seal-check before it is worn again. A group of doctors, scientists, and other professionals formed a group called N95DECON to research and test different sanitizing methods for face masks. While these methods have been researched thoroughly, they have not gone through extensive testing yet.

VAPOROUS HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

This method kills resistant bacteria spores and viruses. 3M has used this method for fixing masks up 20 times without any degradation. But, when sterilized at higher doses, the filters become less effective. The machines to perform sanitizing are dangerous and require extensive training for the operator.

UV RADIATION

Using UV radiation stops the viruses related to coronavirus without affecting the masks filtering ability for 10-20 sterilizations. The UV radiation can cause damage to straps and facepieces and make it challenging to expose lower layers to the radiation. The mask’s material can be damaged by high doses of UV light.

Heat and Humidity

Heating N99 masks at 60-75 degrees C for half an hour can stop viruses related to COVID-19, but it has not been tested on the coronavirus itself.This is an excellent way to clean facemasks. They can be heated at 60 degrees C with 80% humidity.

Steam and Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide

The CDC also tested sterilizing the masks using steam and liquid hydrogen peroxide. To kill bacteria, they used steam bags in low-power microwaves. The mask was not damaged more than three times. They also noted that soaking an N99 respirator in 6% liquid hydrogen peroxide for half an hour didn’t affect filtration, but they did not test fit integrity afterward. Do not use soapy water to sterilize N99 masks. This can cause damage to the mask’s materials and reduce its ability to filter small particles. Do not use alcohol or bleach. This can affect the mask’s ability efficiently to filter toxic substances. It’s safe to assume it’s clean from overnight storage. The coronavirus can live for up to three days on some materials. It is crucial to purchase washable N99 masks from a trusted source. Bielcor, a safety industry leader, only sells products that have been field-tested and thoroughly researched.

You might have wondered how it feels like working with a team of individuals with diverse cultures, races, values, and origins in case you have not experienced it the first time. Whether you are a CEO or a member of a workforce, diversity in your organization or business field is essential both for the individuals and for the progress of the business. 

Having studied the world of Business, I noticed that diversity and inclusion are essential as a healthy variety of individuals from different environments and cultures provides any company with the balance of voices and diversity of thought needed for achieving success. 

Entrepreneurs such as Grant Kelly have been successful as they practise inclusivity. 

Below are some fo the reasons why diversity and inclusion are vital and how they can significantly affect your organization or your co-workers.

More diversity leads to more Creativity and Innovation.

When you work with individuals in the corporate world who possess various skills, knowledge, and experiences, there will be a considerable increase in creativity and innovation which may enhance the quality of your company and its workers. Furthermore, it will promote the long-term expansion of the corporation and encourage an intelligent working atmosphere.

It provides the organization with more diverse skills.

Likely, all you need to take your business to the next level is to involve more relevant skills in the workforce. By promoting an all-inclusive and diverse business environment, you attract workers with broader perspectives, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and other skills necessary for making the right decision for the best of the organization. 

Expect substantial growth in your business.

Since you can reach out to more customers than other companies, the result is an exponential growth in your business. An organization`s varied and all-inclusive workforce gives you a competitive advantage over similar companies. 

Your work team or your employees can be happier.

The benefits of keeping employees happy customers are highly underrated in the business sphere. It would help if you prioritized this because a happy employee working with you works more efficiently and they are ready to maximize their potential for the best of your business. Providing employees with an environment that promotes diversity and inclusivity is the most effective method in keeping employees happy. In addition, you can give them the freedom to be diverse in their functions though in an ordinate manner. 

Conclusion 

When your organization`s workforce is diverse and inclusive, your customers also share the benefits. The reason is that you and your varied workforce can reach out to the variant needs of your potential customers. It also does not matter how distinct the backgrounds of your customers can be; your diverse work team will always have a higher chance of understanding them and marketing your business to them effectively. The best is that when your workforce has satisfied your customers, you can expect them to return and publicize your company to others. Exceptional entrepreneurs such as Grant Kelley implement the right strategies which results in substansial growth of their enterprise. 

For more information, visit: Grant Kelley