FFP mask


An FFP mask is a type of protective mask certified by the European Union that serves to protect against particulates such as dust particles. The EN 149 standard defines three classes of filter efficiency for these masks, namely FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.
It is an example of a mechanical filter respirator.
The mask is a half-face mask, which means that it protects the chin, nose and mouth. The mask must meet certain standards and effectiveness tests. Efficacy is assessed by the filtration rate, as well as the degree of around the edges. The mask should be correctly adjusted to the face.
This type of mask protects the wearer from inhaling infectious agents or pollutants in the form of aerosols, droplets, or small solid particles.

Types

The EN 149 standard defines performance requirements for three classes of particle-filtering half masks: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. The protection provided by an FFP2 mask includes the protection provided by a mask of the lower-numbered classes.
A mask conforming to the standard must have its class written on it, along with the name of the standard and its year of publication, as well as any applicable option codes, e.g. “EN 149:2001 FFP1 NR D”. Some manufacturers use in addition the colour of the elastic band to identify the mask class, however the EN 149 standard does not specify any such colour coding and different manufacturers have used different colour schemes.
ClassFilter penetration limit Inward leakageTypical Elastic Band
FFP1Filters at least 80% of airborne particles<22%Yellow
FFP2Filters at least 94% of airborne particles<8%Blue or White
FFP3Filters at least 99% of airborne particles<2%Red

FFP1 mask

It is the least filtering mask of the three.
It is mainly used as a dust mask. Dust can cause lung diseases, such as silicosis, anthracose, asbestosis and siderose.

FFP2 mask

This mask offers protection in various areas such as the glass industry, foundry, construction, pharmaceutical industry and agriculture. It effectively stops powdered chemicals. This mask can also serve as protection against influenza viruses such as avian influenza or severe acute respiratory syndrome associated with the coronavirus, as well as against the bacteria of pneumonic plague and tuberculosis. It is similar to the N95 mask.

FFP3 mask

The FFP3 mask is the most filtering of the FFP masks. It protects against very fine particles such as asbestos and ceramic. It does not protect against gases and in particular nitrogen oxide.

Exhalation valve

Wearing a respirator for an extended period of time can become uncomfortable due to breathing resistance and buildup of heat and humidity inside the mask. To alleviate these issues and improve comfort, some masks are equipped with an [|exhalation valve]. This valve allows the exhaled air to escape freely from the mask, avoiding condensation and preventing the filter from becoming less and unpleasant to wear. FFP3 masks generally have very thick filter layers and a higher resistance, which makes breathing more difficult. For this reason, most of these masks are offered with an exhalation valve.
A mask with an exhalation valve protects the wearer just as well as a mask without a valve. However, an exhalation valve allows unfiltered air to freely exit the mask. Therefore, in the case of diseases with airborne or respiratory droplet transmission a mask with a valve will not protect other people and the environment from the pathogens potentially exhaled by the person wearing such a mask. In these situations, masks without exhalation valves are preferable in order to protect others. Additionally, the exhalation valve might malfunction, which could increase the risk of infiltration of contaminants or toxic dust.

Proper use

The mask should be as close to the face as possible; a metal tab makes it possible to adjust the mask to the bridge of the nose. A beard is not recommended and the elastics should be shortened by a button for young children.
As a protection against infectious diseases, it is only effective in combination with frequent and effective hand washing. Hands should be washed thoroughly before putting on the mask. The mask should not be touched during use. The mask should be replaced when wet. It should be removed by taking it from the back without touching the front of the mask and then placing it into a suitable closed container before washing hands again. To protect other people the mask should not have an exhalation valve.
In March 2020, at the time of the coronavirus pandemic in the Netherlands, due to the scarcity of mouth masks the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment published a advice on how to sterilize and reuse FFP masks that were originally certified for single use.

Standards

FFP masks must meet certain standards. To qualify as FFP, the masks must meet the EN 149 standard.

EN 149 standard

This European standard, the first version of which dates from 2001, establishes the minimum characteristics of respiratory protection equipment. It includes laboratory tests, field tests and certain requirements to ensure the conformity of the masks. The following points are analyzed:
There are some European organizations that issue an examination certificate confirming conformity and specifying the characteristics of the products:
With the publication of the 2009 version of the standard, the designation of the respiratory protection mask is now "particulate filtering half mask". The abbreviation NR or R is added after FFP1, FFP2, FFP3:
  1. NR : if the use of the filtering half-face mask is limited to one working day. It is not reusable.
  2. R : if the filtering half-face mask can be used for more than one working day, so it is reusable.
Additional suffixes include:
Masks manufactured before the new standard was taken into account may still have the old marking.

Legal notices

FFP respirators are considered Personal Protective Equipment. Here is the notice that should appear on every mask :
A few other jurisdictions use FFP-like standards to govern their masks as well. They include: