For airborne pathogens, which type of mask is appropriate?

• A. Surgical mask
• B. N95 respirator
• C. Cloth mask
• D. No mask

Answer: (B)

Airborne pathogens infect through tiny aerosol particles, so protecting the inhaled air with a tight-fitting, highly filtering respirator is essential. The N95 respirator is designed to filter at least 95% of airborne particles when it fits properly, providing the level of protection needed for airborne exposure. It requires a proper seal and fit testing to ensure the air you breathe passes through the filter material and not around the edges. In contrast, a surgical mask and a cloth mask do not seal well and do not reliably filter small aerosols, so they don’t provide adequate protection against inhaling airborne pathogens. Going without a mask obviously leaves you exposed to inhalation of infectious particles.