User login
Enter your username and password here in order to log in on the website:
Please note: While some information will still be current in a year, other information may already be out of date in three months time. If you are in any doubt, please feel free to ask.
Face mask safety
- Question
- Dear expert team,
How far-extensive is the protection of a face mask (3-layer, non-sterile, bacteria filtration performance higher than 98%)? I am particularly thinking of fungus spores (e.g. major amounts of dead wood or similar that have to be moved).
Kind regards
Susanne (CF/Tx) - Answer
- Hello Susanne,
respiratory masks are designed to filter small particles and liquid droplets from the breathable air. Particularly in connection with respiratory filters, they protect the wearer from dangerous substances (gases, particles of solid and liquid substances) and germs (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungus spores). Therefore, respiratory masks (with or without the filter) are used by firefighters, the military, in professions that may encounter air pollution as well as in medicine.
Respiratory masks have different levels of protection. Each filter features specifications about its respective class. The filters are categorized into three main categories depending on their adsorption capacity (1 = low to 3 = high).
It is more important, however, for the masks to fit the nose and cheeks snugly than what filter effect they actually have, so that as little air as possible is inhaled. Therefore, simple hygienic masks, surgical masks, and exam masks do not provide adequate protection from viruses and fungus spores, because contaminated air can pass the mask on the sides.
When buying hygienic masks, you should pay attention that they are at least 3-layered and have a bendable nose clip. The mask should be put on properly, i.e. it should cover mouth and ears. Wearing a respiratory mask of the FFP2 type, or even better FFP3, would be one effective measure against the fungus spores you mention. These masks are more expensive, but also safer. They close more tightly, have a better filter effect, and can be worn for several hours.
It is recommended to change masks after a maximum of five hours or when the mask has gotten damp.
I hope to have helped you with this answer.
Kind regards
Dr. Christina Smaczny
- 07.09.2010
