Federal authorities have seized millions of fake N95 masks over the past few weeks and are notifying healthcare workers and others about the phony protective equipment.
Homeland Security Department agents captured hundreds of thousands of fake 3M brand masks intercepted on Wednesday at a warehouse on the East Coast, the latest operation in an expansive federal investigation into the counterfeit masks across the country during the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Associated Press, the total number of phony N95 masks that have been taken into custody tops 10 million.
In addition, DHS officials said that investigators have notified 6,000 people in a dozen states who might have been provided the fake masks, which are being purchased unknowingly by hospitals and organizations looking to bypass 3M’s normal supply chain given shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Not only do they give a false sense of security, how dangerous is the exposed individual without any protective gear? They have no utility whatsoever,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
N95 masks are different from cloth or surgical masks in that they undergo rigorous testing to meet high standards. They are recommended for healthcare workers and not the general public during the pandemic, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
Hospitals and other entities that purchase the 3M N95 masks are also being encouraged to visit the company’s website, which has information about how to spot counterfeit masks.
