N95 Masks With ISI Mark Are Tested For 14 Key Parameters

K V Rao, Scientist-E and Head of the Bureau of Indian Standards, Hyderabad, answers queries from TOI readers on why it is important to wear ISI-certified masks, products that need compulsory nod from BIS and what consumers can do in case there is a quality issue

Wearing a mask has become compulsory in the advent of Covid-19. But the question is, which mask do we wear? Some doctors say N95 masks may not translate into effective protection. Please advise. —B T Srinivasan

The type of mask to be worn depends on the quantum of exposure and risk involved. For this purpose, the advice of medical professionals is to be followed.

There are a lot of vendors selling fake N95 masks with fake ISI marks. How can we verify the genuineness? Can you recommend any authentic place where we can source these masks from?—Dr Pravakar Adhikaree

Authenticity of BIS license on a product can be verified by using BIS CARE App. Every ISI marked article that has a license number and issued to the manufacturer, is marked to it. When the license number is fed into BIS CARE App, it will display complete details of the license, if the product is genuine. If not, it will say “No such license exists”.

The complete contact details of BIS licenses granted for a particular product can be obtained from: www.manakonline.in Conformity Assessment Search IS Number.

Why is it essential for consumers to buy ISI-certified masks only? Shouldn’t a basic cloth mask be enough? Also, how’s an ISI-marked N95 more efficient? —Krishna Prasad

For N95 masks, as per IS 9473, the use of the ISI mark on the product is voluntary. The masks are tested for 14 important requirements such as practical performance test, leakage, penetration of filter material, compatibility with skin, flammability, CO2 content of inhaled air, head harness, field of vision, breathing resistance, clogging resistance etc.