N95 Masks now approved for flu by FDA

[Guest guest]

Get your N95 Masks direct from the manufacturer-3M. Available on-line, and by

phone. Now FDA approved for minimizing Flu exposure. But we can also use it for

you-know-what. Make sure you read their on-line instruction booklet, and Q & A

booklet, because there are limitations. The masks are NOT 100% protective.

Joe

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First FDA-Cleared Respirators For General Public Use In

Public Health Medical Emergencies Now Available From 3M20 May 2008

Consumers concerned about an influenza outbreak can breathe a little easier: 3M

has just released two new NIOSH N95 respirators for use by the general public in

public health medical emergencies.

These two respirators - 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8612F and 3M™ Particulate

Respirator 8670F - are unique because they are the first to receive clearance by

the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce exposure to airborne germs

during a public health medical emergency such as an influenza pandemic. The FDA

outlined a special clearance process for N95 respirators used by the general

public in public health medical emergencies in order to provide reasonable

assurance of their safety and effectiveness.

Although use of respirators is only one of several precautions that can be taken

in response to a public health medical emergency, " The release of these FDA-N95

respirators is a significant step in providing the public with guidance and

products needed to help reduce exposure to airborne germs, " said Bushman,

division vice-president, 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety

Division.

According to Bushman, 3M is taking steps to ensure the respirators are readily

available to the public. " The need has grown as more people realize the

importance of planning ahead for a public health medical emergency, " Bushman

said.

3M™ Particulate Respirator 8612F and 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8670F can be

purchased from one of the many medical, safety and industrial distributors that

carry 3M products. Additionally, these new products will be available under the

Nexcare™ brand in select retail pharmacies. Both products can also be purchased

from the company's online store, http://www.3MeStore.com, or by calling

1-800-234-8068.

For technical information about proper use of these 3M respirators, visit

http://www.my3MN95.com.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of

innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is

applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination -

to a wide array of customer needs. With $25 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000

people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

http://www.mmm.com

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Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107952.php