In the pandemic, FFP2 masks can provide better protection against corona infection than other mask types.
However, they are only effective if some important principles are observed.
There are many ways to reduce the risk of corona infection.
This includes
FFP2 masks
.
In
Bavaria
The protective masks are now even mandatory in public transport and when shopping.
However, some rules must be adhered to in order for them to be effective.
Munich - Wearing medical masks is now mandatory in public transport and when shopping.
In
Bavaria
it even has to be an
FFP2 mask
.
But more and more people outside of the Free State are also using this type of mask.
Because it not only protects the people in the vicinity, but also the carrier (s): from infection with the
coronavirus
.
However, this only applies if a few
important rules
are observed when buying and using the FFP2 masks.
Certification & European Standard: What to Look For When Buying FFP2 Masks
FFP is an abbreviation that was adopted from English and stands for "Filtering Face Piece".
The number behind it is the filter class.
According to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM
),
class 2 FFP masks
must
filter
at least
94 percent of the aerosols
, and
class 3
even
99 percent.
In this way, they effectively protect against
infection with the Covid-19 pathogen
.
An official certification is required to prove that the mask also provides this level of protection.
When buying, you should make sure that you only buy masks that have passed such a test.
These are identified in Germany by a
CE number
.
This must be clearly assigned to one of the approved testing institutes.
On the website of the EU Commission you can find out whether the respective number belongs to an official body.
The CE number is printed directly on the mask.
In addition, the
European standard
according to which it was certified
must be
printed.
That would be
EN 149: 2001 + A1: 2009
.
If, on the other hand,
you read KN95 or N95
on the product, it has been certified according to Chinese or US standards, but does not necessarily correspond to European standards.
Also since
FFP2 masks are
significantly more expensive than normal surgical masks, it is worth checking their certification before buying.
It has happened again and again that
inadequate masks have been sold
.
Carrying & storing: These rules are elementary for hygienic use
Hands should be
washed
thoroughly for
at least 20 seconds
before putting
on.
If possible, the mask should only be
touched by
the
straps
.
Correct fit is crucial for the mask to actually develop its protective effect.
It should be close to the face and also completely encircle the chin.
In particular, the
adjustment of the nosepiece
is a point that is often forgotten.
According to the
Robert Koch Institute
(RKI), the mask must sit on the nose so that it does not fog up when wearing glasses.
Otherwise the aerosols can escape upwards.
A
beard
or
loose hair
hanging over the face also significantly affects the protection.
If you take the mask off again, you shouldn't just put it in your jacket or trouser pocket, but in a
separate bag
.
Simple household trick: This is how FFP2 masks can be reused
FFP2 masks
are used in the medical field
basically used as single-use products, but can be reused for private use under certain conditions.
The
Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
(BfArM) has started a research project on this topic together with the Münster University of Applied Sciences and the Westphalian Wilhelms University of Münster.
The result:
There are two ways to make the mask “more durable” for a certain period of time.
In an information flyer, the authors of the study describe a simple trick: You bake the mask
at 80 degrees
with top and bottom heat in the oven for an hour.
In this way, SARSCoV-2 can be completely inactivated.
If the temperature is set higher, plastic parts can be damaged.
The second option is
to let
the mask
dry
in
room air for seven days
.
Then it can be used again.
With either method, the FFP2 protection can be
worn
up to
five times
.
Then it should be replaced.
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But even if you wear a certified FFP2 mask correctly, you cannot feel completely safe.
Hygiene and distance
rules must still be observed to make an infection as unlikely as possible.
(mam)
List of rubric lists: © Kay Nietfeld / dpa