Which masks protect against TB?

Which masks protect against TB?

• A. Surgical masks are sufficient for protection
• B. N95 respirators alone are required
• C. Fit-tested N95 respirators or higher-level protection, such as PAPR
• D. Cloth masks provide adequate protection

Answer: (C)

Airborne protection for TB hinges on both high filtration of tiny aerosols and a tight seal to the face. TB spreads through small aerosolized particles that can linger in the air, so protection isn’t just about filtering air but also preventing leaks around the edges of the mask. Surgical masks and cloth masks don’t seal well and don’t reliably filter the smallest particles, so they aren’t adequate for TB exposure. A respirator with high filtration, like an N95, provides effective protection only when it is properly fitted to the wearer’s face; fit-testing ensures there’s a good seal so inhaled air passes through the filter. In high-risk settings or when even greater protection is needed, higher-level options such as powered air-purifying respirators can be used. So the recommended approach is a fit-tested N95 respirator or a higher-level protection like PAPR.

Airborne protection for TB hinges on both high filtration of tiny aerosols and a tight seal to the face. TB spreads through small aerosolized particles that can linger in the air, so protection isn’t just about filtering air but also preventing leaks around the edges of the mask. Surgical masks and cloth masks don’t seal well and don’t reliably filter the smallest particles, so they aren’t adequate for TB exposure. A respirator with high filtration, like an N95, provides effective protection only when it is properly fitted to the wearer’s face; fit-testing ensures there’s a good seal so inhaled air passes through the filter. In high-risk settings or when even greater protection is needed, higher-level options such as powered air-purifying respirators can be used. So the recommended approach is a fit-tested N95 respirator or a higher-level protection like PAPR.