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N95 Limited to 0.3 Microns
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has a size range of 0.06 to 0.14 microns. Masks such as N95 respirators are designed to filter out 95% of particles that are 0.3 microns and larger. Providers should be mindful that N95 masks may not fully protect users from aerosolized COVID-19 transmission given the size of the virus. PAPRs with HEPA may provide more protection .
1. China Novel Coronavirus Investigating and Research Team. Zhu N, Zhang D, Wang W1, Li X, Yang B, Song J, Zhao X, Huang B, Shi W, Lu R, Niu P, Zhan F, Ma X, Wang D, Xu W, Wu G, Gao GF, Tan W. N Engl J Med. 2020 Feb 20;382(8):727-733.
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2. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks
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