Healthcare Facilities Contend with Knockoff PPE

Agents intercepted hundreds of thousands of counterfeit 3M brand masks


As the COVID-19 pandemic rolls on and variants of the coronavirus emerge, hospitals and other healthcare facilities continue their struggles to find enough personal protective equipment (PPE). Shortages emerged nearly a year ago, and though supplies of masks, gloves and face shields have improved, workers in healthcare facilities too often must contend with inadequate PPE supplies. Now they also must deal with the possibility of knockoffs.

U.S. federal agents have seized more than 10 million fake N95 masks in recent weeks, the result of an ongoing investigation into counterfeits sold to hospitals, medical facilities and government agencies, according to ABC News.

The most recent seizures occurred recently when U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents intercepted hundreds of thousands of counterfeit 3M brand masks in a warehouse, officials said.

Investigators also notified about 6,000 potential victims in at least 12 states, including hospitals, medical facilities and others who might have unknowingly purchased knockoffs, urging them to stop using the apparently medical-grade masks. The phony masks have not been tested against strict N95 standards and could put frontline medical workers at risk if used while treating patients with COVID-19.

Click here to read the article.



February 22, 2021


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

How Backup Power Needs Vary Across Healthcare Settings

Manufacturers discuss how evolving codes, technologies and care settings shape healthcare backup power strategies.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


New Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases Opens

The new space not only offers more exam rooms but also features 15 private infusion bays to allow privacy for all patients and their caregivers during treatment.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach Opens

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite and more.


What Healthcare Facilities Can Learn from a $49 Million Window Failure

A major window system failure at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital sparked a costly replacement project – and a $49.4 million arbitration win.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.