Cummins and DuPont Partner to Make N95 Mask Alternative

The acute global shortage of N95 respirator masks after the coronavirus outbreak has encouraged several companies to join the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and contribute to help tackle the shortage. Engines manufacturer Cummins (NYSE: CMI) is the latest to join the bandwagon, partnering with diversified chemicals company DuPont de Nemours (NYSE: DD) to manufacture viable alternatives to help "address the nation's shortage of N95 respirator masks."

On April 6, Cummins announced that it is evaluating its "supply base and manufacturing capabilities" to identify ways to support healthcare workers through the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), or equipment critical for healthcare professionals to prevent exposure to hazards as they deal with coronavirus patients.

The N95 mask is a common particulate-filtering face respirator mask, preventing 95% of airborne particles from entering the wearer's mouth and nose when properly fitted. Currently, 3M and Honeywell are leading N95 respirator mask producers, and both companies are scrambling to ramp up production to meet unprecedented demand.

Source Fool.com