Dinamitek presents the guide to choosing FFP half masks

How are the protection classes of FFP masks distinguished?
Here is the Dinamitek guide

Workplaces present various risks that require protection. Regarding the respiratory tract, it's important to protect yourself from aerosols, smoke, and fine aqueous and oily dust, which are dangerous because, even if present in the air, they remain invisible.
In these cases, filtering half masks must be worn. Choosing the correct half mask requires careful knowledge of the protection classes.

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Half masks are classified as FFP1 FFP2 FFP3.

The difference is in the concentration of harmful substances, the FFP3 protects more than the 1. The particle size, however, is always up to 0.6 μm for all FFP half masks.
The protective function is regulated according to European standard EN 149: "Filtering half masks against particles or masks for fine dust." FFP stands for "filtering face piece."

WARNING this type of mask does not protect against vapours and gases

Their use ranges from avoiding unpleasant odors in the workplace to preventing the onset of serious short- and long-term illnesses. Workers exposed to aerosols, fumes, mists, and dust without protection are at risk of coming into contact with carcinogenic or radioactive particles. The use of masks in the workplace is required when the occupational exposure limit (OEL) is exceeded, i.e., when the concentration of the contaminant in the air is not dangerous to workers' health.
A filter mask is a device that covers the nose and mouth, made with filter materials.

Let's examine the 3 different classes of protection in detail.

FFP1 half masks protect against non-toxic, non-fibrous dust. They help workers cope with work environments where unpleasant odors and particles that make breathing difficult are present. The masks filter approximately 80% of airborne particles up to 0.6 μm in size. Odor protection is achieved thanks to the activated carbon in the masks.

Technical Indications:
• The total loss can be a maximum of 25%
• The occupational exposure limit value can be exceeded by a maximum of 4 times, i.e. they can be used when the occupational exposure limit value is not exceeded by more than 4 times.
They are mainly used in the construction sector and in the food industry.

FFP2 half masks protect against dust, smoke, and harmful solid and liquid aerosols. They are suitable for fibrogenic particles. Fibrogenic particles are those that, when inhaled, cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure can lead to a reduction in the elasticity of lung tissue over time. Substances in the air are so dangerous that they can cause genetic alterations, making it essential to protect yourself. FFP2 masks must capture 94% of airborne particles up to 0.6 μm in size. FFP2 masks are primarily used in the metallurgical and mining industries, where workers come into contact with aerosols, mists, and fumes, which, over time, can lead to serious respiratory diseases. It is not unreasonable to assume that working in these environments without protection exposes one to the risk of lung cancer and other secondary diseases such as active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Technical Indications:
• The total loss can be a maximum of 11%
• The occupational exposure limit value may be exceeded by a maximum of 10 times, i.e. the occupational exposure limit value reaches a concentration that is at most 10 times higher.

FFP3 half masks protect against dust, smoke, and toxic and harmful solid and liquid aerosols because their high filtering power prevents harmful toxic, carcinogenic, and radioactive substances and pathogenic microorganisms from attacking the respiratory tract. Pathogenic microorganisms also include viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This provides the maximum possible protection from breathable air pollution (beyond this, it is declared unbreathable). The FFP3 mask must guarantee at least 99% protection from particles up to 0.6 μm in size.

Technical Indications:
• The total loss can be a maximum of 5%
• The occupational exposure limit value may be exceeded by a maximum of 30 times, i.e. up to the point where the occupational exposure limit value is exceeded by up to 30 times the sector-specific value.
The preferred field of application for FFP3 masks is the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

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The question we are often asked is: “Are these disposable devices?”

The answer lies in how you use the device itself, because the exposure time and the concentration of the contaminant you're wearing certainly affect the mask's lifespan.

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Now that you know the protection classes of FFP masks, you can protect yourself properly in the workplace with Dinamitek