FDA approves emergency face masks

WASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first face masks designed for public use in a medical emergency, such as an influenza pandemic.

The FDA said the two filtering facepiece respirators it approved, both manufactured by the 3M Co., can help reduce the user's exposure to airborne pathogens. The respirators will be available to the general public without prescription.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has also certified the devices as N95 filtering facepiece respirators -- a type of face mask that fits tightly over the nose and mouth. It is made of fibrous material that filters at least 95 percent of very small airborne particles. The filter and a proper fit determine the effectiveness of the product.

"While the exact nature and concentration of the biological agent or germ may not be known in a public health medical emergency, we believe minimizing exposure will help reduce risk," said Dr. Daniel Schultz, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Many companies make N95 respirators, but the 3M respirators are the first to receive FDA clearance for use by the public during health medical emergencies to reduce exposure to airborne germs.