Is an N95 mask better than a face mask?
Not necessarily; however, an N95 mask offers more comprehensive protection – whether the situation requires it or not. An N95 mask filters out at least 95% of all airborne particulates that are .03 microns or larger. Meaning, it protects against harmful dust, fog, smoke, mist, gases, vapors, sprays, and pathogens such as flu viruses.
A face mask (also called a surgical or procedural mask) protects the wearer from airborne bacteria and larger particulate matter such as dust and smoke. It also protects others from “catching” the wearer's oral and nasal bacteria. However face masks do not protect the wearer from airborne pathogens or harmful mist, gases, vapors or sprays.
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What is a lot number and how do I identify it?
The lot number identifies when a product was manufactured. It will be in small type, all capital letters, and say “LOT #”. On many products, it’s on the back panel. On kit boxes, it’s either on the top or bottom of the box, generally affixed to a label.
Lot numbers have 2 parts: a letter, followed by a series of 4 numbers. The letter corresponds to the month the product was manufactured: (A = January, B = February, C = March, D = April, E = May, F = June, G = July, H = August, I = September, J = October, K = November, L = December).
For the numbers, the “0” is a placeholder, the next 2 numbers represent the calendar date, and the last number represents the year. Example: LOT # F-0186 means that the product was manufactured on June 18, 2006. (See image below).

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