Pittsburgh-based MSA Safety, which manufactures safety equipment for mining, construction, energy and other fields, is repurposing elastomeric masks typically used in industrial settings, according to an article on the Trip Live website.
MSA markets the masks in Mexico and other parts of the world and had planned to provide them to MSA employees in the area. The company decided instead to donate the N95s to those on the front lines”at Allegheny Health Network.
MSA’s masks are normally used in a broad range of industrial applications, protecting workers from high dust levels and organic vapors. But studies began showing elastomeric masks to be more cost-effective and protective during a pandemic situation.
Elastomeric masks cost more upfront, but they can be cleaned and reused for years, with the filter replaced monthly.
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