The shortage of protective face masks across the country has prompted the National Association of Home Builders to call on construction companies to donate unused N95 respirator masks, the association said in blog post.

The request from NAHB follows a plea by Vice President Mike Pence for companies to donate the masks and other protective gear for use by health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus battle.

The blog post noted that President Donald Trump also has signed legislation allowing the companies to sell the masks to health care workers.

The masks are commonly worn by various construction workers to filter air impurities that arise from construction projects.

NAHB also has created a web page with updates on the coronavirus outbreak related to the construction industry.