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

Probiotic Cleaners: The Start of a Cleaning Revolution?

Advantages of probiotic cleaning include fewer resistant genes and cost savings through decreased antibiotic use.


Gun Incident Highlights Need for Security Infrastructure

A man was arrested at Aultman Memorial Hospital after allegedly firing a gun in the ER.


Creative Solutions in Healthcare Acquires 5 Skilled Nursing Facilities

Each location is planned to begin substantial upgrades to infrastructure and resident services.


Over 700 Hospitals at Risk of Closure

Hospitals are citing financial problems at the main cause of potential closure.


Astrana Health Fully Acquires Prospect Health

They completed the acquisition of Prospect Health for a total purchase price of $708 million.


 
 


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.