The FFP2 mask is finding its way into Bavarian households.
The offer should be plentiful.
But not all masks are the same.
An expert explains what to look for when buying.
Munich - From January 18, there will be no way
around FFP2 masks
.
At least if you don't want to restrict yourself further in your lifestyle.
Shopping and journeys on public transport
are no longer permitted without this type of mouth and nose covering.
What makes FFP2 masks
so indispensable
in the eyes of the Bavarian government around
Prime Minister Markus Söder
is their
protection for the wearer
.
When buying the new face jewelry, which is now due for several million Bavarians, a few things should be considered.
FFP2 mask requirement in Bavaria: will old stocks go on sale again?
Because in the past few months since the beginning of the pandemic, countless
masks
have been
recalled
because of insufficient protective effect or even harmful materials
.
And yet these
old stocks,
suggesting security, could
now be put back into circulation
.
Oliver Barthel from the consumer protection portal
produktwarnung.eu warns of this
in an interview with our online editorial team.
His advice to buyers: The product must be accompanied by a
declaration of conformity from the manufacturer or importer
.
You should also look at the
four-digit number of the certification body
.
FFP2 masks checked in Germany are identified either with
CE0121
- behind this is the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance - or
CE0158
in the case of DEKRA Testing and Certification GmbH.
Other abbreviations can indicate
testing in another European country
.
FFP2 mask requirement in Bavaria: KN95 as an alternative - but only after a quick test
The
KN95 masks from China
offer comparable protection
.
However, these are only permitted if a corresponding
rapid test
is available.
Barthel advises you to have an
official confirmation presented
when purchasing
.
On the
other hand, you should keep your hands off
masks with valves
.
These do not offer any
external protection
because the breathing air flows out through the valve - and with it, in the case of infected people, possibly also the
coronaviruses
.
+
Only protect wearers, but not other people: masks with filters are not recommended.
© Karl-Josef HildenbrandIdpa
FFP2 mask requirement in Bavaria: Overview of some product warnings in Germany
Numerous other mouth and nose covers
that are practically flooding the market do not
protect against them
.
On Christmas Day,
masks
were last
recalled
or warned against their consumption.
We provide an overview of
products that
have been
rejected
so far
.
KN95 half mask from "Welooo"
(ten masks in white or blue folding boxes with black and blue lettering): Particle / filter retention of the material inadequate (44.1 instead of 95%)
KN95 mask from "purvigor"
(one or ten masks in a transparent foil bag with black marking): Particle / filter retention of the material is insufficient (64.6 instead of 95%)
KN95 face mask with highly efficient protective mask
filter
from unknown manufacturer
(white product, embossed with "KN95" on the side): Particle / filter retention of the material insufficient (37 instead of 95%)
KN95-A particle filter half mask from an unknown manufacturer
(five masks in a plastic bag, embossed with "KN95" on the side): Particle / filter retention of the material inadequate (67.6 instead of 95%)
KN95 particle filter half mask by "SUNLU"
(white product, embossed with "KN95" on the side): Particle / filter retention of the material inadequate (31.5 instead of 95%)
KN95 mask from unknown manufacturer
(20 masks in white or green cardboard): Particle / filter retention of the material inadequate (at most 61.5 instead of 95%)
Care mask "KN95" or "FFP2" from "LUCCA"
(white product in plastic bag): Particle / filter retention of the material inadequate (57.2 instead of 95%)
Respirator mask TK-N95 FFP2 from "KGT"
(white product in plastic bag with black writing): Particle / filter retention of the material is insufficient (maximum 35 instead of 95%)
+
Take a close look when buying: There are many masks in circulation that do not provide the required protection.
© Friso Gentsch / dpa
FFP2 mask requirement in Bavaria: When buying, it is better to be suspicious and ask several times
It
should be noted that
this
list
is by no means complete, especially since it cannot be ruled out that
masks with insufficient protective effect have been thrown on the market
but have not yet been blown.
Therefore, when buying, it is better to be suspicious and ask very carefully.
After all, nothing less is at stake than
health
.
Barthel, who advocates
free distribution of the FFP2 masks
, also has the most important information
about
use and storage
.
For example, masks
should never be put in the oven
, because extreme heat makes the material suffer.
Barthel himself always uses
three masks, alternating daily
, which he keeps in a dry room after use - currently the guest bathroom.
However, he points out that FFP2 masks
should be
disposed of after eight to ten hours of use
.
And: never work with
disinfectant
spray!
Because the processed substances settle in the material and at least cause a strong odor.
(mg)
List of rubric lists: © Friso Gentsch / dpa