Read our FAQ to understand what is happening to your respirators and other equipment that protect you from COVID-19.

Since the end of March (archive) this year, the fascist attack (which is an ongoing sort of self-coup) on the government of the US led by Elon Musk’s DOGE has started targeting (archive) the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH is the agency in the US tasked with testing and certifying personal protective equipment (PPE). This FAQ will provide background to prepare COVID-conscious socialists to act.

FAQ

What is NIOSH?

• National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The regulatory body in the US for certifying the safety and authenticity of PPE.

What does NIOSH Do?

• Conducts research and makes recommendations for worker safety to prevent work related injury and/or illness (CDC) (archive).

What is happening?

• Funding Cuts and Work force reduction as part of sweeping budget cuts around 873 staff expected to be cut (roughly ⅔ of staff) (CBS News) (archive)

Why do we care?

• Many jobs will be lost.
• This is a ruling class attack on workers for profit gains.
• Hundreds of animals to be euthanized (West Virginia Watch) (archive).
• Certification and testing of respirators will be reduced (EMS1) (archive).
• Could lead to lower quality respirators and possibly see more counterfeits (ISHN) (archive).
  • Research on respirator safety could be impacted (We are in a pandemic).
  • Safety of workers in many fields could be impacted (i.e., healthcare, mining, firefighting, construction, etc.).

What else is being destroyed?

• 10 Year plan “focused on novel hazards, PPE expertise and capabilities” (links to archive of an NIOSH slideshow).
  • Steps to prevent the issue of inadequate PPE issues from early in the pandemic such as shortages and inaccurate information.
• Proposed Goals (From Tweet) (archive):
  • Workplace exposure assessments and hazard evaluations to inform personal protective technology (PPT) policy, standards, and conformity assessment needs.
    • “Conformity assessment” means to determine dangers/hazards in the workplace and inform the selection of PPT necessary to protect workers. It answers the question “What can this organization do to conform to safety regulations?”.
  • Develop, evaluate, and innovate PPE performance requirements and testing methods by integrating advanced PPT and design guidance.
• Develop and disseminate strategies and tactics to extend PPT supplies during emergency, disasters, or PPT shortages.
• Develop and disseminate guidance and best practices to inform PPT implementation and enhance user adherence.
• Provide national leadership to inform the design and execution of NIOSH’s Respirator Approval Program (RAP) and other PPT conformity assessment schemes.
• Expand U.S. capacity for PPT research and innovation

Who is doing this?

• Trump Administration
• Elon Musk and DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency)
• RFK Jr through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Can we still get effective respirators?

• Yes!

How can we get effective respirators?

• Avoid Counterfeits (look for certification stamps to show authenticity).
• Purchase masks tested under other regulatory standards.

The following list contains equivalent standards and some selected retailers that ship to the US:

• KN95(China-GB2626 Standard)
  • Dongguan Arun Industrial Co. LTD (NOTE: Store currently closed due to restocking)
  • Guangzhou Powcam Labor Insurance Supplies Co. LTD
• FFP2 and FFP3 (Europe Standard-CE/CBRN-European Union Standard)
  • The Facemask Store
    • Note: FFP2 is roughly equivalent to N95, and FFP3 to N100. FFP1 is a lower standard that should be avoided for mitigating COVID.
• KF94 (Korea-Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety(KFDA))
  • Kollect USA Store
• CA-N95(CSA-Canadian Standards Association)
  • International Safety Store

How do I know a respirator is effective?

• Fit test it yourself! (Video: Demonstration starts at 24 minutes)

What to look for in an effective respirator?

• Is it Protective (Certified, Fit Factor, Does it filter for my needs?)?
• Is it easy to breathe through (While maintaining a good seal)?
• Is it comfortable/Can you wear it all day?

Do you have any advice?

• Try different shapes and styles of respirator to find your fit.
• Purchase in small amounts until you’ve found a good fit.

Who else is resisting the attack on NIOSH?

• This list is not exhaustive.
• AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organizations) (Statement) (archive).
• AIHA (The Association for Scientists and Professionals Committed to Preserving and Ensuring Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety) (Statement) (archive).