In December 2019, multiple cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province. nCoV is mainly transmitted by close-up droplets and contact, people are generally susceptible to it, in addition, during the special period of Spring Festival travel, the number of confirmed cases, severe cases and suspected cases of nCoV pneumonia rose sharply in a short period of time. The epidemic triggered a large demand for masks by health care workers and the public, there are many kinds of masks on the market, different masks have different scope of application and different standards. The author investigated the application scope and relevant standards of masks in various countries, sorted out the development history, classification, standards and evaluation indicators of masks, so as to provide help for health care workers and the public.