With the current outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV a.k.a COVID-19), everyone in the world has been buying a lot of protective items such as masks and hand sanitizers. First reported case of this virus was in Wuhan, China on 31st December 2019 and now more than 28,000 cases have been reported since then. The following months, it is known that people all over the world have been stocking up for their masks and some of them sending back home to their families in China. One of the most popular face masks is the 3M N95 mask that can filter out 95% of PM2.5 particles.

Besides, some took benefit of reselling these items at a higher price.This resulted in a way where some businesses would take this as an advantage by producing counterfeited products where they can sell it at a lower price point. However, we can never know what goes into the production of these fake masks which might actually lead to health issues or other complications.

1. Printed font on the plastic and face mask is clearer and darker on the genuine 3M N95 face mask.

IMAGE SOURCE: Facebook User - Nannaphat Tansiriwat

IMAGE SOURCE: Facebook User - Nannaphat Tansiriwat

2. The breathing valve in the fake face mask is much more yellow while the genuine one is slightly orange.

IMAGE SOURCE: Facebook User - Nannaphat Tansiriwat

3. Most obvious way to differentiate is the 3M logo on the breathing valve where it is lighter on the fake one. The font of the logo is also slightly different.

IMAGE SOURCE: Facebook User - Nannaphat Tansiriwat

Best believe that these productions are thriving hence in the future it will be harder for us to differentiate whether it is genuine or not. The option we have is to buy face masks mainly from trusted sellers such as the drugstore. Also, do not forget to stay safe during this outbreak!

You can verify the mask by the Secure code and the Lot Code that is printed under the mask packaging on the 3M website - https://safeguard.3m.com/Guest#/Validation

SOURCE: Thai Residents