3M, the leading manufacturer of the N95 respirators which is the protective mask to prevent spread of swine flu caused by the H1N1 virus, has taken steps to import and supply eight times the usual quantity since the pandemic surfaced in India. Its parent company 3M Inc. in July invested US$20 million to boost production of N95 respirators worldwide by 10 per cent.

"We are working closely with the Central and state governments to supply N95 besides educate and build awareness for first responders in such a pandemic situation. Our N95 supplies are through multiple channels including retail pharmacy outlets so that it reaches all the people at risk including healthcare workers, hospital staff, first responders and general public," Nagaraj Maskeri, vice-president - Safety, Security & Protection Services, 3M India Limited told Pharmabiz in an email interaction.

In normal situations, the N95 respirators are supplied mainly for industrial use. However, in this H1N1 pandemic situation, there is an unusual demand and we are working closely with all concerned authorities to ensure supplies. During the SARS and Avian Flu epidemics 3M worked closely with central and state governments to supply N95 respirators and train on proper usage, storage and disposal, he added.

3M has four kinds of N95 respirators. Each of these has a set of features and applications. The 3M 1870 is priced at Rs 116, 3M 8210: Rs 44, 3M 8511: Rs 227 and 3M 9210: Rs 187.

N95 is a NIOSH standard and manufacturers have to be certified by NIOSH to produce the N95 respirator. 3M is NIOSH certified. In India, 3M distributes four variants of the N95 respirator. There is an option to the N95 respirator, which is the EFR (Elastomeric Face piece Respirator) that is also an extremely effective option for protection and provides a higher filtering efficiency of 99.97 per cent, he said.

The N95 Respirator employs 3M's non-woven technology. The material used is advanced electrostatically charged microfibers. It is intended to help reduce wearer exposure to particle size of more than 0.3 microns. The N95 respirator has a more than 95 per cent filter efficiency. It has been tested and recommended by CDC & WHO for pandemics. Due to the 3M technology employed in the manufacture of these respirators, the 3M N95 Respirator is thinner and lighter, making it easier and comfortable for the user.

The recent outbreaks of H1N1 influenza are a concern. 3M is working diligently to respond to the situation. Globally its employees are dedicated to provide services and support to those areas most acutely affected by the outbreaks, stated Maskeri.