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Informing Workers of Counterfeit and Misrepresented Respirators

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(Revised JANUARY 2026)
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2025-105
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Millions of U.S. workers rely on respirators to stay safe on the job. Counterfeit and misrepresented respirators may not provide the advertised level of protection, putting workers at risk. This fact sheet provides employers and workers information on counterfeit and misrepresented respirators as well as tips on how to tell if a respirator is approved by NIOSH.

Informing Workers of Counterfeit and Misrepresented Respirators [PDF – 454 KB]

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2025]. Informing Workers of Counterfeit and Misrepresented Respirators. By Kiederer M, Andrews A, McCleery T, Page F. Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2025-105 (revised 01/2026).

 

List of Revisions
Revision Date Revisions Citation of Revision
May 2025 (Original) NIOSH [2025]. Informing Workers of Counterfeit and Misrepresented Respirators. By Kiederer M, Andrews A, McCleery T, Page F. Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2025-105.
January, 2026 Added P100 protection to cartridge description and illustration on Page 2 to clarify where the P100 marking would be seen. Corrected spacing issue. NIOSH [2025]. Informing Workers of Counterfeit and Misrepresented Respirators. By Kiederer M, Andrews A, McCleery T, Page F. Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2025-105 (revised 01/2026).