Can N95 disposable industrial respirator masks be used safely in place of the kind they sell in drug stores?

Just a thought in case we actually do end up with a swine/bird flu pandemic. How often should you change them? Let's assume you only spend 1 hour a day in contact with the public.





Are they safe for old people with cancer or COPD?





http://www.masksnmore.com/n95masks.htmlCan N95 disposable industrial respirator masks be used safely in place of the kind they sell in drug stores?
try this FAQ's from 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division about masks:








http://solutions.3m.com/3MContentRetriev鈥?/a>





Those surgical masks wont do anything but keep you from spreading YOUR germs.





N95 is the bare minimum, ABSOLUTELY nothing less. I'd say in the most extreme circumstances (people coughing all over you who have the swine flu) I'd give it an hour tops. Then not trust it anymore. However in everyday normal human contact as long as it stays dry (no excessive moisture) and sealed it should be fine for quite a few hours. Don't go by me though , check the box. It should have a time on it. NOTE: This is with a Fitting mask not a ill fitting one. Here are some instructions on testing proper fit: http://www.natlallergy.com/images/art/82鈥?/a>





As for if they're safe for old people with cancer or COPD call your local hospital or clinic and they'll be able to tell you.





Note your still playing a game of chance but with lower risks. the N95 doesn't 100% block Everything but its safer than nothing. This is what i just bought :








Good price for what your getting: http://www.amazon.com/North-CFR-1-Dust-M鈥?/a>





These are exactly the same filtration wise but the lower one is the one that comes with most pandemic kits because it has a very user friendly manual and guide.





http://www.amazon.com/3M-8511-Particulat鈥?/a>