How to identify a NIOSH Approved respirator:
All NIOSH Approved respirators have a testing and certification (TC) approval number (e.g., TC 84A-XXXX). The NIOSH approval label, which you can find on or within the respirator packaging, includes the TC approval number. Additionally, an abbreviated approval label is on the filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) itself or straps. NIOSH Approved FFRs will always have one of the following designations:
- N95
- N99
- N100
- R95
- R99
- R100
- P95
- P99
- P100
You can verify a TC approval number is valid by checking the NIOSH Certified Equipment List. More information is available on the Respiratory Protection Information Trusted Source.
Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit:
- No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator
- No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband
- No NIOSH markings
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly
- Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
- Claims approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protective device for children at this time)
- Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands. At this time, NIOSH has not approved respirators that use ear loops without the use of an approved fastener. The fastener connects the loops behind the head.
Check out more tips to spot counterfeit respirators.
Original Article extracted from CDC NIOSH's Official Site under Counterfeit Respirators/Misrepresentation of NIOSH Approval