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The N95 masks are rated to stop 95% of the particles .3 microns or larger. Most virus is .15 micron or smaller.

I don't disagree about the size proper of the virus particle. However, in practice the virus particle is not isolated -- it is surrounded by fluid, etc., and the whole package is well within the range effectively filtered by N95. I think people are well served by purchasing N95 products. I myself own a couple of cartons of N95 as well as p100 respirator cartridges. Regarding masks, I think fit is a much greater issue than filtration level (I am talking about a potential 1/8" gap versus this micron stuff!).

It is mainly the nanomask people who have been spinning this in an attempt to sell their own filtration products. However, the worldwide medical community doesn't seem to be either impressed with the nanomask claims or dissuaded from the use of N95 against either SARS or influenza.

This is from Flu Wiki:

The N95 masks are rated to stop 95% of the particles .3 microns or larger. Most virus is .15 micron or smaller. The question has been raised at a number of forums as to whether N95 masks will reduce the risk of influenza infection during a pandemic. One issue that has been brought up is the size of viruses, which are often smaller than 0.3 microns, the size of particle N95 masks are rated to exclude. Both the SARS coronavirus and influenza viruses are considerably smaller than this. So why would an N95 mask work? The reason is that viruses may spread from person to person attached to droplets or other particles that are much larger then 0.3 microns. Empirical data supports this contention. During the SARS outbreak, N95 masks were shown to decrease the incidence of SARS infection among nurses in Singapore and Toronto with respect to nurses who did not wear such masks. Reference

Of course, an N95 mask is not a guarantee against infection. It is rated to protect against 95% of particles, which obviously means 5% can still get in. N99 and N100 masks offer a higher levels of protection.

http://www.fluwikie.com/index.php?n=Forum.MasksN95AndOthers

If you're not whatching The Killer Flu presently on the Discover Channel, you're missing an excellent program.

I recommend everyone watch it. I'm not as prepared as I thought.

I'm 62 years old, have no medical problems, retired, single and plan to deal with any pandemic by isolating.

Thanks for the info. I have N95 masks.