The FFP2 mask has partly become mandatory due to the corona pandemic.
But how often can such a mask be used and how do you clean it?
In the
Corona
* pandemic
, wearing an
FFP2 mask is
mandatory in some places.
However, the face mask should not be
worn for
more than
eight hours
.
A study from Münster shows: masks can be
disinfected in the oven
.
Update from Saturday, January 23rd, 2021, 10:20 am:
There are many recommended cleaning methods for
masks of
all kinds - but some should be avoided.
In addition to treatments in the washing machine, in saucepans, in the dishwasher or with a UV lamp,
cleaning
the
FFP2 mask
with
disinfectants
and
alcohol
should also be avoided.
According to a report by the consumer
magazine Oekotest
, the Robert Koch Institute advises
against
it, as disinfectant
sprays
and alcoholic substances
significantly reduce
the filter effect of the cellulose and the fleece and thus also the protection against
corona
.
In addition, you should not keep the mask in the
freezer
, because the
viruses
in the mouthguard are not killed and can even survive longer in the fabric.
Obligation to wear a face mask during the corona crisis: Methods for multiple use of the FFP2 mask
Update from Thursday, January 14th, 2021, 4:50 p.m.:
FFP2 masks
are actually
intended for one-time use
to protect against possible
corona infection
.
However, since this can quickly
turn
into
money
, the question arises whether the masks can be used several times after all.
In
any case,
researchers from the
Münster University of Applied Sciences
and the
Westphalian Wilhelms University of
Münster are convinced: Yes, it is possible.
They describe two
methods for doing this
.
First of all, it should be said that the following procedure is only suitable for
foldable FFP2 masks
.
If you want to
give
the
trick
a chance, try the following: After wearing the mask, let it dry until the next day.
When the mask is dry, a sheet of
baking paper
should be laid out on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, the
oven
must be
preheated
to
80 degrees top and bottom heat
.
+
In some federal states, the mask requirement has been tightened.
(Archive photo)
© Fleig / Eibner-Pressefoto / Imago Images
Protection against corona: FFP2 masks must be properly disinfected
Since the actual temperature in the oven may differ from what is displayed, the researchers recommend
checking
the temperature with a
thermometer
.
Because if the oven is too cold, the
viruses
remain
active
.
If it is too warm, the
mask
can be
damaged
.
If the
temperature
is right, the mask is placed on the
grid
and then pushed onto the middle rail in the oven.
The FFP2 masks should stay there for an hour.
It is important that the
corona
masks can still be distinguished from one another afterwards, as these should only be used by the same person.
The
FFP2 masks
can be reprocessed up to five times, but then at the latest they have to be
disposed of with
household
waste.
Corona study: plan enough time to dry the FFP2 mask
Dimensionally stable models with a basket or
filter
can only be reprocessed in another way: by air drying.
This would
require
at least seven of
the
FFP2 masks
for daily use
.
They are hung on a hook after use, where they dry for a week.
It is advisable
to mark
the
hooks
or masks according to the days so that you don't get confused.
This method can also be
repeated
a maximum of five times
before the mask goes into the
trash
, according to the researchers.
However, if the mask is particularly stressed, coughed by other people or used, the
FFP2 mask should be disposed of immediately
.
According to the
scientists
,
alternative treatments using saucepans, dishwashers, microwaves,
washing machines
or a UV lamp are
not suitable for reprocessing the
corona
masks.
Fight against Corona: FFP2 masks are becoming mandatory
First report from Thursday, January 14th, 2021, 2:19 p.m .:
Kassel -
You
are an everyday companion
in the
Corona crisis
: Wearing
mouth and nose protection
is mandatory in public buildings, shops and also in many inner cities.
Leaving
the house without a
corona mask
at the
beginning of 2021
is unthinkable for many people.
The more the population adheres to the mask regulation, the better the spread of the
coronavirus
can be contained.
+
The correct use of FFP2 masks determines their effectiveness against corona.
There are a few important rules to follow when wearing the mask.
(Symbol image)
© Michael Weber / imago-images.de
The
Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM)
recommends wearing certified
FFP2 masks
.
These masks will be
mandatory
in shops and public transport in
Bavaria
from January 18, 2021
.
However, the wearer can
make many mistakes
when using the
FFP2 mask
.
Corona in Germany: Government relies on FFP2 masks
At the behest of the federal government, shortly before Christmas, from December 15, 2020, people over 60 could
pick up
three
FFP2 masks
free of charge
.
FFP2 is the abbreviation for Filtering Face Piece.
This type of mask has the advantage that it not only prevents the wearer's aerosols from escaping, but also protects the wearer himself from aerosols in the air.
Fabric
masks
or scarves do not offer this filter protection.
They only protect others from the carrier's viruses.
Conversely,
FFP2 masks
with a valve only protect the wearer, but not the environment.
Because the air you breathe gets outside unfiltered.
Use FFP2 masks correctly: Only then will they protect against corona
In order for the FFP2 masks to
protect
wearers and the environment from the
coronavirus
, users should observe two important conditions.
First, the masks must be worn correctly in order to achieve their full filter effect.
The mask must also
comply with EU guidelines
.
Counterfeit masks keep appearing on the market.
In addition, supermarkets repeatedly have to start recalls for masks that do not meet the legal requirements.
Firmly put on corona mouth and nose protection: Beards have a problem with FFP2 masks
According to the
Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
certified FF2P masks must
filter 94 percent of all aerosols from the air.
Customers can tell from the CE mark
whether a
corona mask
meets all EU requirements, indicating that the product has been successfully tested (conformity assessment procedure).
The identification consists of a
four-digit test institute number,
the
EU standard EN 149
and the address of the provider.
Not all FFP2 masks on the German market carry the CE mark.
So-called
N95 masks
from the USA and Canada as well as
KN95 masks
from China do not bear the mark, but still meet European standards.
Dealing with FFP2 masks: Corona is only effectively filtered if used correctly
In case of doubt, just pulling it on can decide whether the
filter effect of an FFP2 mask works or fizzles out
.
Contrary to many different rumors, it is not enough to just pull the mask over your mouth and leave your nose free.
The following rules must be
observed
when wearing an
FFP2 mask
:
Masks must be as close to the face as possible
Mouth, nose and cheeks must be covered
The edges must be close to the skin so that no air can flow through the sides
The mask shouldn't slip, it should sit tight
Damp masks lose their filter protection and must be changed.
The mask shouldn't pinch, because that tempts you to touch your face and spread viruses
Even those who wear an FFP2 mask should
adhere
to the
hygiene regulations of
the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Center for Health Education.
Because the filter effect is not perfect.
The
1.5 meter distance rule
and regular, thorough hand washing are important
tools for containing Corona.
Maximum service life of FFP2 masks: Damp material does not filter corona
In principle,
FFP2 masks are
intended
as single-use masks
.
This means that they have to be changed after they have been used once.
But if you only wear your mask for a few minutes in a shop and take it off again after leaving the shop, you don't have to use a new mask right away.
Breath will make the mask wet over time.
If the mask is soaked, it must be changed
.
Because then
corona viruses
can
get through the fabric.
A tip: wear masks only briefly and at intervals, protects against moisture penetration.
After a short period of wear, the mask can also be dried and aired and then used again after a few days.
FFP2 masks
should be
worn
for a
maximum of
75 minutes at a
time.
However, if you just sit and relax, you can keep it up longer.
In total, FFP2 masks should not be used for more than 8 hours.
This is recommended by the
professional association for health and welfare (BGW).
Remove the FFP2 mask correctly: Corona viruses could stick to your fingers
When the shopping in the supermarket is over, the mask can be taken off again.
However, hand contact can damage the mask and
coronavirus can be left on the fingers or mask
.
Therefore, always only touch the straps of the mask with washed hands and then stow them in a clean place.
Then wash your hands thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds.
Pants or handbags are only conditionally suitable for transport.
Germs
and
viruses
can hide there.
Viruses could also get into the pocket through the mask itself.
If you then rummage around in it with your fingers, the pathogens quickly get back into your face.
A better place to keep it is a
small sealable plastic bag.
Cleaning FFP2 masks is no problem.
However, an FFP2 mask may not be washed.
Then it loses its filtering effect.
Drying in the oven or microwave is also taboo.
(Philipp Zettler) *
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