People all over the world are coming together to battle Covid-19. From making homemade masks to engineering protective gear, there’s a lot of creativity out there right now. Since we’re already big fans of 3M, we’ve been seeing a big response in their production. Here are some of the changes we’ve seen. By the way, 3M still makes excellent window film as you’ve probably seen in our other blog posts!

Masks and Respirators

Yes, 3M makes both masks and respirators. They are the largest manufacturer of N95 masks in the world. And recently 3M has ramped up production of its masks. 3M said in a statement that “3M and its employees have gone above and beyond to manufacture as many N95 respirators as possible for the US market.” You can see a wide array of masks, shields, and respirators on 3Ms website.

Testing Respirators

Did you know that “fit testing is accomplished by spraying a test agent into the hood environment with the respirator in place”? If the wearer does not detect the taste of the test agent, an acceptable fit has been demonstrated. There are bitter and sweet tests. More about testing respirators.

Putting Health Care Workers and First Responders First

Not only has 3M doubled its production (to 1.1 billion respirators) since January 2020, its focus has changed. 3M is working with both governments and companies to ensure that the need for Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) is met. For now, the demand will outstrip the supply, but they’re working diligently to change that. Their factories are working 24/7 to meet the incredible demand.

Behind the Scenes…

Unfortunately, in many emergencies, there are frauds, counterfeits, and price gouging. Luckily, 3M’s legal department is battling price gouging of 3M products so the public doesn’t have to. You can report your concerns on 3Ms website. If you think you’re paying too much for 3M products, double check on their website.

3M Working with Ford

3M and Ford are designing and developing powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), which are on the way to health care workers fighting COVID-19. Take a look at what they’ve developed here. The coolest part of the PAPRs? 3M and Ford will donate any profits they earn from the sale of the PAPR to COVID-19 related nonprofit organizations! We are delighted to be working with such an outstanding organization.

3M Protects Its Own

If you ever wonder whether to do business with a company, take a look at how they treat their own employees. From Shanghai to Singapore to Grassobio, Italy, 3M has instituted more stringent safety measures, even shutting down plants in some instances to keep employees safe. Take a look at more of the new global safety measures.