CONGRESSMAN DAVID WU ANNOUNCES NATIONAL SARS MASK DONATION EFFORT To help contain outbreaks, Wu calls on Americans to donate masks for public health workers in affected countries Washington, DC - Congressman David Wu, May 21, 2003, called on Americans to donate masks for public health workers to stop the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.  Congressman Wu released a document showing the types of masks to buy, where to buy them, and where to send the masks for donation. "These masks, which are sitting on the shelves of local hardware and home improvement stores throughout the United States, could be put to use on the front lines of the effort to stop the spread of SARS," said Congressman David Wu.  "I ask my fellow Americans to join me in this endeavor to help stop the spread of a disease that has already caused so much devastation throughout the world."  SARS is believed to be spread through airborne transmission, mainly by coughing or sneezing, and without these vital masks, hospitals can become a breeding ground for the disease.  According to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control, masks with at least an N95 filter level are highly effective at preventing the transmission of SARS, when coupled with proper hand washing.  Unfortunately supplies of these masks are in very short supply, and the demand is enormous. Congressman Wu asked Americans to help meet the demand for masks by purchasing N95 masks at local stores and sending them to a collection point where they will be then sent to Asia.  Once in Asia, the masks will be distributed by public health agencies and organizations, such as the Red Cross. WHERE TO SEND MASKS SARS MASK DONANTIONS Route 440 & Pulaski Street Bayonne, NJ 07002 MASK MODELS Masks must have at least an N95 filter rating.  Below are some of the most common models: 3M Particulate Respirators              N95: 8110s                                   3M Health Care Respirators N95: 1860 8210 1860s 8511 1870 9210 07048                                   Aearo Particulate Respirator 07185 N95: N9504C 8654ES N9505C R8511ES R95: 8240 P95: 8271 6x00 w/2071 filters 750x w/2071 filters WHERE TO BUY N95 MASKS N95 masks/respirators may be purchased at local Medical/Hospital Supply Stores, Hardware/Home Improvement Stores, and various online retailers and distributors. National retailers that carry N95 masks/respirators at their local stores include: Ace Hardware - www.acehardware.com The Home Depot - www.homedepot.com Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse - www.lowes.com Orchard Supply Hardware - www.osh.com Sears - www.sears.com Target - www.target.com Wal-Mart - www.walmart.com Please be aware that certain store locations may not have stock available.  Some retailers, such as Home Depot, are able to take backorders and ship masks as they become available. For questions or information about this effort, contact Ted Liu, Senior Legislative Assistant, at 202-225-0855, or ted.liu@mail.house.gov.