Why do you recommend the N95 mask against omicron?
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(CNN) --
There's one guideline about wearing masks that hasn't changed during the COVID-19 pandemic: You should definitely wear one.
But what happens when you're not sure if your mask is authentic?
Since the pandemic began, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seized millions of counterfeit masks entering the country.
It may be time to renew your mask
N95 masks are the reference par excellence, since those approved by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health can filter up to 95% of the particles present in the air, according to the CDC, as long as they are correctly adjusted.
However, counterfeit imitations can threaten people's safety.
Failure to meet US safety standards means such products may not effectively filter airborne particles, the agency explained.
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This is how you can spot a fake N95 mask.
Most Important: NIOSH Approval
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This division focuses on the safety and health of workers.
Filtering facepiece respirators –– a technical term that includes N95 respirators–– must be certified by NIOSH before they can be used in any workplace.
Now, an N95 mask only gets a seal of approval from the institute when it filters at least 95% of airborne particles.
To know if an N95 mask is fake or not, the NIOSH markings are the compass.
But there is some research you can do before you even have a mask in hand.
New CDC update on masks 0:58
What to consider before buying an N95 mask?
When shopping for masks online, there are a few things you can ask yourself.
Buy them from trusted sources.
Project N95 is a national nonprofit organization with options you can trust.
Another option is to buy directly from the supplier, for example, 3M or Kimberly Clark.
Here are some tips from the CDC that might help you spot fake personal protective equipment.
If you are buying directly through a website:
Are there typos, bad grammar, or other mistakes on the site?
Are there website glitches such as blank or unfinished pages, filler text, broken links, and misspelled domains?
If you are buying from a third party trading platform:
Is the product described as "genuine" or "real"?
Legitimate companies do not need to tell buyers that their products are real.
At least not in the name of the product.
Are there reviews about the product or about the seller?
Disgruntled buyers may reveal how defective the product is or if it is illegitimate.
Is the price too good to be true?
It's probably a fake mask.
Does the seller trade the same items over time or follow trends?
Legitimate businesses tend to be consistent.
Does the seller put their contact information on pictures?
If so, they may be circumventing the platform's policy on keeping buyer-seller interactions on the site.
How to check if your N95 mask is real
But what if you have already bought masks on a website or a trading platform and you don't know if they are real?
Here's your rule of thumb: no marks means it's not approved.
NIOSH-approved respirators have an approval label on them or inside their packaging.
It may be on the box or in the user instructions.
The mask must also have an abbreviated approval mark.
The approval number on your mask must begin with "TC".
The product must also have the NIOSH logo printed on it.
This image from the CDC can help you identify the markings on your mask.
You can then check the approval number against the NIOSH Certified Equipment List.
Other red flags to watch out for include:
Any decorative element, such as sequins.
Straps on the ears instead of headbands.
The headbands are crucial to the snug fit of the N95.
Affirmations of approval for children.
NIOSH does not authorize masks for children.
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Do you have a real N95 mask?
Share these resources
The CDC and NIOSH have resources to help you spot counterfeit masks or even other counterfeit personal protective equipment and medical equipment.
You can start here and get more tips on examining skins.
You can also look at photos of non-NIOSH-approved masks.
Then you can read about how to protect yourself from buying counterfeit products.
Do you have a fake N95 mask?
report it
Fake masks are not the only counterfeit products being sold.
Nor is it the only scam to profit from the pandemic.
Why you should change your mask as the omicron variant spreads
Criminal organizations are also trying to sell counterfeit pharmaceuticals, other personal protective items and medical devices to "unsuspecting American consumers," John Leonard, CBP Executive Director of Trade Policy and Programs John Leonard, told CNN.
As you stay informed and up-to-date, you can report any counterfeit masks to CBP through their reporting system.
Also by calling 1-800-BE-ALERT.
In addition, you can report to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordinating Center online or by phone at 1-866-IPR-2060.
Know the differences between an FFP2, N95 or KN95 mask
The different terminologies for the use of masks can be confusing, but all terms refer to the level of filtration they offer and there is no doubt that the FFP2, N95 or KN95 models offer better protection than cloth or other fabrics.
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