Filtering facepieces (FFP3) protect the wearer by filtering out particles, liquid aerosols and pathogens present in the environment, preventing them from being inhaled by the wearer. Depending on their design, they can be conical, horizontal (duck peak) and vertical. Depending on the filter efficiency, the mask is class 1, 2 or 3. The filtering material consists of a mesh of plastic fibres which retains the pollutant.
What determines the type of class to use is the toxicity of the pollutant and the present environment concentration. Depending on the masks filtering efficiency (according to the European Union standard EN 149), three classes are distinguished:
- FFP1 (filtration efficiency 78%, ambient concentrations up to 4 VLA – Environmental Limit Value – Low efficiency).
- FFP2 (filtration efficiency 92%, ambient concentrations up to 12 VLA-Medium efficiency).
- FFP3 (filtration efficiency 98%, ambient concentrations up to 50 VLA – High efficiency).
Respirators may have an exhalation valve that facilitates breathing and prevents condensation; they are recommended for prolonged use. As they do not filter the air exhaled by the user, valved respirators should not fit patients with infectious respiratory processes.
Protesters use conventional face masks to hide their identity. But when the police throw tear gas grenades, only FFP-3 filters could provide some protection. And to prevent tear gas from affecting the eyes, it is necessary to wear airtight goggles.
Where to use filtered masks?
We recommend using FFP-3 in any epidemiological situation, with a higher priority in health care settings (including primary, secondary and tertiary care levels, and outpatient and long-term care facilities) and in environments where aerosol-generating procedures are performed.
So, depending on where you are and what you do daily, specific masks are recommended. How do you feel about wearing FFP3? Let us know in the comments below.
