Beware of imitators: NIOSH cautions about ‘misrepresented’ respirators

Photo: NIOSH

Washington — NIOSH has issued a warning about counterfeit or “misrepresented” respirators that may not provide adequate protection.

A new fact sheet from the agency, which is responsible for the approval and testing of respirators, defines counterfeit respirators as products that try to copy an actual NIOSH-approved model. “Misrepresented” respirators, meanwhile, are falsely marketed and sold as NIOSH-approved respirators when they’re not.

These respirators “may not provide the advertised level of protection, putting workers at risk,” NIOSH cautions.

The fact sheet includes tips for identifying approved respirators, filters and cartridges. It also provides the following recommendations for purchasing respirators from third-party marketplaces:

Be skeptical of claims that use terms such as “legitimate” and “genuine.”

Beware of products that highlight part numbers and avoid using an approval holder’s name.

Check if the seller consistently offers the same products over time, not only trending items.

Monitor frequent price changes.

Beware of sellers advertising “unlimited stock” during shortages.

Ensure the seller adheres to marketplace policies and provides contact information.

Review transaction history and customer feedback.

Beware of claims that a filter or cartridge can be used on a NIOSH-approved respirator.

NIOSH’s advice for evaluating websites that sell respirators:

Verify if the contact email is linked to the website, not a free email service.

Watch for bad grammar, typos, mixed-up names/logos, unfinished content, blank pages, broken links and other errors.

Be cautious of misspelled domain names (domain squatting).

To contact NIOSH about counterfeit or “misrepresented” respirators, email the agency at ppeconcerns@cdc.gov. The report should include the company name on the respirator, the respirator model or part number, photos of the respirator and its packaging, the NIOSH approval number, and the URL where the respirator was purchased or found.