3M, one of the largest suppliers of personal protection equipment, has donated nearly 1 million respirators to help doctors and aid workers contain the spread of the deadly Ebola virus disease. Project HOPE, MAP International, and Direct Relief International will distribute 3M’s NIOSH-approved N95 respirators to workers in Sierra Leone and surrounding areas.

“Respirators can be an important component in the fight against Ebola,” said Oyebode A. Taiwo, M.D., M.P.H. Global Medical Director at 3M. “The recent outbreak of the Ebola virus has proven to be the most deadly in recent history. 3M is dedicated to offering its resources to this worldwide, humanitarian effort.”

Through 3M’s philanthropic arm, 3Mgives, the company has worked with many U.S.-based relief organizations that provide support worldwide. Over the past 22 years, 3M has donated more than $33 million in product and cash to non-profit organizations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends respiratory protection for certain medical and laboratory procedures involving suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease. The 3M Personal Safety Division has been making N95 disposable respirators since 1972. This donation will join the thousands of respirators already sent by the company last month to Direct Relief International. 3M’s manufacturing facility has increased its production to meet the company’s commitment. 3M respirators are relied upon worldwide to help prevent the spread of disease and protect people from harmful airborne dust gases and vapors.

The Ebola virus is a severe, often fatal illness, with a high case fatality rate. According to WHO and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the outbreak has infected more than 3,000 people and claimed more than 1,500 lives in West Africa this year, posing a serious, ongoing threat to that region.[1]

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 89,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.