Tom Allen, President of AMMA and Altor Safety
Eric Axel, AMMA
A trade organization contends that New York State and City officials are distributing KN95 masks manufactured in China, even though NIOSH-approved, domestically produced N95 respirators are still on the market.
By choosing KN95s, Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani are telling people to line up for Chinese masks, bought with American taxpayer funds, during a dangerous smoke emergency.”— Eric Axel, Executive Director, AMMANEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, July 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — As wildfire smoke drifting from Canada continues to degrade air quality across the United States, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have instructed residents to visit free KN95 mask distribution sites situated throughout the city. The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA) points out that NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, made in New York and other parts of the U.S., remain available and deliver protection that has undergone more rigorous testing.
American Medical Manufacturers Association Executive Director Eric Axel stated, "By choosing KN95s, Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani are telling people to line up for Chinese masks, bought with American taxpayer funds, during a dangerous smoke emergency. They have a chance to support good-paying jobs in New York City and State. Instead, they are bypassing in-state and other U.S. manufacturers who can supply NIOSH-approved N95 respirators. That is bad public health policy, bad economic policy, and bad for our national security."
Health officials note that fine particulates present in wildfire smoke can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream, potentially triggering or exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. AMMA argues that N95 respirators, rather than imported KN95 masks, offer the elevated level of protection it deems necessary during this kind of emergency.
KN95 corresponds to a Chinese regulatory classification. According to AMMA, KN95 masks are not produced within the United States, receive certification from Chinese authorities rather than NIOSH, and are typically intended for consumer use rather than high-risk occupational settings.
"This is outrageous," said Tom Allen, President of the American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA) and CEO of New York-based Altor Safety, which manufactures respirators and PPE.
Allen added, "New Yorkers are breathing wildfire smoke, and their leaders are handing out Chinese masks while U.S. manufacturers stand ready with NIOSH-approved N95 respirators. That is a slap in the face to local and U.S.-based manufacturers and a reckless choice for public health."
N95 respirators are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and must comply with federal workplace safety testing and auditing standards. KN95 masks are certified under Chinese government standards, which depend primarily on manufacturer self-certification, according to AMMA.
AMMA asserts that depending on Chinese-made masks introduces additional supply chain issues, highlighting ongoing federal scrutiny—including Section 301 investigations and proposed forced-labor tariffs—of goods connected to forced labor in parts of China’s manufacturing sector.
"Even in emergencies, public dollars should not underwrite supply chains tied to human rights and forced labor concerns," Allen said. "They should support American workers and American standards. Right now, New York is doing the opposite."
AMMA reports that U.S. manufacturers have increased production capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the association, AMMA member companies can produce approximately 435 million N95 respirators per year—roughly 97 percent of the estimated 450 million in routine annual U.S. demand—and could ramp up to as many as 1.5 billion N95s annually during a crisis. AMMA suppliers also manufacture reusable respirators fitted with replaceable cartridges.
New York is home to several AMMA member companies, including Altor Safety, HPK Industries, and New York Embroidery Studio / NY Protect, which produce NIOSH-approved respirators and PPE within the state.
"First and foremost, New Yorkers should stay safe and wear a properly fitting respirator if they have to be outside in the smoke," said Michelle Feinberg, CEO of New York Embroidery Studio. "I am glad the City is making masks available. But New York should be prioritizing domestically manufactured, NIOSH-approved N95 respirators whenever they are available. That is what real leadership looks like."
Allen said the situation points to a broader issue. "We cannot afford complacency, or leaders who fall back on the cheapest overseas option to prepare for a crisis. We built and support the domestic industry, so New York would not have to rely on China for masks. That capacity exists right now."
AMMA is calling on Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani to:
– Prioritize domestically manufactured, NIOSH-approved N95 respirators for public distribution.
– Support regional stockpiles built on American-made PPE, consistent with the Made PPE in America Act and actions taken by both the Biden and Trump administrations with bipartisan Congressional support.
Axel said, "Today is a watershed moment for New York. We believe they have chosen dependence on foreign supply chains over supporting local businesses. We urge them to change course for the sake of public safety and economic security."
About AMMA
The American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA) is an alliance of domestic makers of critical medical supplies, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) manufacturers, and partners dedicated to transforming the landscape of American innovation and manufacturing. AMMA’s mission is to ensure that the United States has consistent access to high-quality, U.S.-made PPE while actively working to create a more favorable environment for American innovation. AMMA fosters strategic partnerships, advocates for policy changes, and supports domestic producers. AMMA aims to catalyze a thriving ecosystem for medical manufacturing.
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