Really dumb question about N95 masks

[wryter2000]

I just got some NIOSH approved N95 masks. They have a weird, chemical sort of smell. Not intolerable, but unpleasant to have right over your nose. I can smell it from a few feet away, too.

What can I do to get rid of this smell? Can you wash these? Maybe I can see if I can find a bottle of cologne around the house somewhere. Yuck.

[mahina]

1. Lucky about the N 95s. Just open the package and air each out a day ahead.

[wryter2000]

6. I'm going to do that

It's raining today, for which I'm grateful, or I'd hand them outside.

[intrepidity]

2. If you're going with a masking scent

(pun intended) maybe try vanilla extract?

[wryter2000]

5. That's a great idea

I'll do that.

[tanyev]

3. Do not wash or spray anything wet on them!

That will reduce the effectiveness of the material.

[wryter2000]

7. Thanks

I won't.

[vanlassie]

4. I'd send them back.

I have to wonder why they smell.

[KT2000]

9. +1

I would not use them either.

[Patterson]

8. Spread them out in the yard where the sun can shine on them a few days.

[wryter2000]

10. It's raining today. We need the rain!

I think it might be clear tomorrow.

[ProfessorGAC]

11. An Educated Guess

The sealant around the edges is an elastomer. In order to maintain flexibility, they are usually soaked in a mineral oil or innocuous solvent (like a mid chainglycol ether) before they're actually used.
Since they're slightly volatile, they continually give off some vapor to reach the vapor-liquid equilibrium. (Until it's so low a concentration that the released vapors fall below the olfactory threshold.)
Since the demand is very high, the time between manufacture and end-use is lowered, so you're getting the mask while sufficient residual softening solvent still exists.
I'm guessing if you let them sit a while, the odor will dissipate.
Now, if you can't let them sit, returning them is an option. But, if I'm right about the cause the new ones would be the same.

[wryter2000]

13. Thanks

That's very reassuring. I'll leave them inside today and put them outside tomorrow if it's not raining.

[ProfessorGAC]

15. If You Put Them Outside...

...cover them!
The electret fibers in those masks will grab airborne dust particles with a death grip.
That could reduce the lifespan of the mask. Also, if it's cold out, it will slow down the rate of vaporization.
Another thing I thought of:
During the process of spinning the fibers, a lubricating solvent is needed to keep from overheating.
Again, given the high demand, it might be the fibers themselves that are carrying the odor.
I'm sure you've been around when new carpet has been laid. Room smells like "new carpet". A few days later, it goes away. That's from the same cooling solvents mentioned above.

[wryter2000]

16. The smell is already dissipating

Not nearly as strong as when I wrote the OP. I think they'll be all right.

[KT2000]

12. Your nose is warning you

whatever you are smelling would go into your lungs. We cannot be sure of how things are manufactured anymore and it is about the money and getting product out fast.
Please return the masks and say this is not acceptable.

[wryter2000]

14. See the professor's post above

I think they'll be okay once they're aired out. I don't have to go anywhere until Saturday.