Beware of COUNTERFEIT Face Masks/Respirators
COUNTERFEIT face masks/respirators are being falsely marketed and sold as legitimate masks; however, they don’t provide the same protection against Covid. Here’s how to spot counterfeits:
- No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator (NIOSH-approved respirators have an approval label on or within the packaging of the 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 for the of approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children)
- Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands
The CDC keeps an on-going list of those found to be counterfeit. To view the list and to obtain additional information click here.