Pandemic has put a huge spotlight on respiratory masks and anti-pollution masks. The FFP1, FFP2/N95 or FFP3/N99 standards no longer hold any secrets for the general public, but choosing the mask suited to your needs remains complicated. Which mask should you wear in which circumstances? Here is a guide to help you choose a respiratory mask.
What is air pollution?
We breathe an average of 15,000 liters of air per day to provide our body with the oxygen it needs. This exposure makes the environment the main threat to our lungs. Indeed air pollution is the leading cause of death in the world with 7 million deaths per year worldwide according to the WHO and 40,000 in France according to Santé Publique France.
There are many particles in the air we breathe every day. We distinguish between fine and ultra-fine particles (PM10, PM2.5, PM0.1), gases (nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, Ozone and VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds…), pollens , molds, bacteria and viruses, even odors.
The size of these particles is measured in microns (µm) by associating PM (for "Particulate Matter") in front, from the largest such as dust (PM100) to tobacco smoke (PM0.1). Viruses are even smaller from 0.01µm. Gaseous contaminants or the famous Diesel particles are even smaller. In comparison, the diameter of a hair is between 50 and 70µm.
Filters for measuring air quality are generally calibrated for PM10. The current WHO objective is to achieve an annual average of 30 µg/m3, which is below the annual average of 40 µg/m3, which is the limit value for the protection of human health for PM10. European Union has set a target of 20μg/m3 on average over the year for PM10.
There is no regulation for PM2.5 too. European Union has set its quality objective at 20 μg/m3 on average over the year. The Grenelle Environment Forum wanted to reach 15 μg/m3. The WHO recommends 10.
What are the different types of masks
Respiratory protection masks
This is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), meeting the European standard NF EN 149 + A1: 2019 if it is a dust mask without removable filters (generally disposable unless the mask is equipped with a complete seal inside, in which case it can be cleaned and reused) and the European standard EN1827 + A1 August 2009 for respiratory protection devices - Half masks without inspiratory valve and with removable filters, against gases, against gases and particles, or against particles only. Filtration requirements are identical. These two standards prove compliance with the essential health and safety requirements defined by the European PPE regulation 2016/425, which protects the wearer of the mask against the inhalation of dust, solvents or gases.
There are three efficiency classes: FFP (Filtering Facepiece Particles) for disposable aerosol filtering half masks and FMP (Filtering Mask Particles) for reusable aerosol filtering half masks. Levels 1, 2 and 3 for these two categories meet the same requirements.
They are defined according to their filtration performance with respect to a sodium chloride aerosol composed of particles with a mass median diameter of 0.6 microns and with respect to a paraffin oil aerosol with a median diameter of 0.4 microns with a flow rate of 95 L/min)
FFP1 or FMP1 masks (equipped with yellow elastic bands)
Half masks filtering against particles NF EN 149 + A1: 2019 FFP1 NR
Half masks filtering against particles NF EN 149 + A1: 2019 FFP1 RD
NR Extension = Use of the filtering half mask is limited to one working day.
Extension R = The filtering half mask can be used for more than one working day, so it is reusable (often after washing/cleaning).
Extension D = The filtering half mask is designed to be clogging resistant (the ability of the mask to function effectively and protect the respiratory tract without interruption in extremely dusty environments) and has been tested.
Minimum filtration level:
The half mask must filter at least 80% of the particles in these aerosols
Maximum Inward Leakage Rate (ILR):
The leak rate determines the amount of air that does not pass through the filter and is therefore not filtered, supplemented by the penetration or filtration rate, i.e. the percentage of particles retained by the filter. Note that the more filtering a mask is, the more it will hinder breathing.
Filtering half masks must not have an FTI greater than 22%
Maximum breathing resistance:
– Inspiration 30 L/min: 0.6 mbar
– Inspiration 95 L/min: 2.1 mbar
– Exhalation 160 L/min: 3.0 mbar
Sealing:
If the D mark is present, the mask is designed to be resistant to clogging. After clogging, the inspiratory and expiratory resistances must not exceed: 4.0 mbar
FFP1 class respiratory protection masks are suitable for work environments in which no fibrogenic or toxic aerosols or dust are present. This is often the standard used for DIY masks. Their use does not protect the respiratory tract from irritation or odors. It also protects, in the context of the coronavirus, from droplets that could be received
FFP2 or FMP2 masks (equipped with white or blue elastic bands):
Half masks filtering against particles NF EN 149 + A1: 2009 FFP2 NR
Half masks filtering against particles NF EN 149 + A1: 2009 FFP2 RD
NR = The use of the filtering half mask against particles is limited to one working day.
R = The particle filtering half mask can be used for more than one working day.
D = The filtering half mask is designed to be clogging resistant and has been tested.
Minimum filtration level:
The filtering half mask must filter at least 94% of the particles in these aerosols. They are equivalent to N95 US standard.
Maximum Inward Leakage Rate (ILR):
Filtering half masks must not have an FTI greater than 8%
Maximum breathing resistance:
– Inspiration 30 L/min: 0.7 mbar
– Inspiration 95 L/min: 2.4 mbar
– Exhalation 160 L/min: 3.0 mbar
Sealing:
If the D mark is present, the mask is designed to be resistant to clogging. After clogging, the inspiratory and expiratory resistances must not exceed: 5.0 mbar
The FFP2 standard only valid for Europe is similar in terms of effectiveness to the American N95 and Chinese or Korean KN95 standards.
These are the masks that are used in hospitals but also in professions exposed to aerosols, vapors and fumes. Since the Covid crisis, given the shortage, they are reserved for caregivers.
FFP3 or FMP3 masks (equipped with red elastic bands):
Half masks filtering against particles NF EN 149 + A1: 2009 FFP3 NR
Half masks filtering against particles NF EN 149 + A1: 2009 FFP3 RD
NR = The use of the filtering half mask against particles is limited to one working day.
R = The particle filtering half mask can be used for more than one working day.
D = The filtering half mask is designed to be clogging resistant and has been tested.
Minimum filtration level:
The filtering half mask must filter at least 99% of the particles in these aerosols. They are equivalent to N99 US standard.
Maximum Inward Leakage Rate (ILR):
Filtering half masks must not have an FTI greater than 2%.
Maximum breathing resistance:
– Inspiration 30 L/min: 1.0 mbar
– Inspiration 95 L/min: 3.0 mbar
– Exhalation 160 L/min: 3.0 mbar
Sealing:
If the D mark is present the mask is designed to be resistant to clogging. After clogging, the inspiratory and expiratory resistances must not exceed: 7.0 mbar
These are masks that protect against toxic, radioactive and carcinogenic substances as well as against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. These masks are mainly used in the chemical industry and some hospital departments. They are now almost impossible to find and are of no use to the general public in the face of Covid.
The FFP3 standard, valid only for Europe, is similar in terms of effectiveness to the American N99 and Chinese or Korean KN99 standards.
ATTENTION : “FFP3+” is a pure marketing invention!
All disposable or non-disposable respiratory protection masks must bear the CE standard as well as the number and year of the standard (EN 149: 2019), the filtration class (FFP1, 2 or 3) and the letter indicating possible reuse (R).
Masks for medical use
This is a medical device that meets the NF EN 14683 standard, which by preventing the projection of droplets emitted by the wearer of the mask, limits the contamination of the external environment and other people.
There are several types: type I, type II and IIR. Types II and IIR are intended for use in surgery.
Type I Mask:
Mask for medical use NF EN 14683 + AC: 2019
Minimum bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE):
The bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of the mask must be greater than 95%
Breathability:
The differential pressure in the medical mask must be less than 40 Pa/cm²
Microbial cleanliness:
The microbial load of the medical mask must be ≤ 30 CFU/g.
Type II masks:
Medical mask NF EN 14683 + AC: 2019 reserved for surgery
Minimum bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE):
The bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of the mask must be greater than 98%
Breathability:
The differential pressure in the medical mask must be less than 40 Pa/cm²
Microbial cleanliness:
The microbial load of the medical mask must be ≤ 30 CFU/g.
Type IIR mask:
Medical mask NF EN 14683 + AC: 2019 reserved for surgery
Minimum bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE):
The bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of the mask must be greater than 98%
Breathability:
The differential pressure in the medical mask must be less than 60 Pa/cm²
Microbial cleanliness:
The microbial load of the medical mask must be ≤ 30 CFU/g.
Splash resistance:
The resistance of the medical mask to the penetration of liquid splashes must comply with the minimum value 16.0 kPa
All medical masks must bear the CE standard
Disposable masks for civilian use
These are relatively simple polypropylene masks that must nevertheless have the CE standard. They filter the air exhaled by the wearer but provide very little protection the wearer of the air he inhales because they are generally open on the sides and therefore not very airtight.
Anti-pollution masks
Generally used for motorcycle or bicycle journeys in large urban areas polluted by industrial dust and exhaust fumes or by people with allergies and/or asthma wanting to protect themselves from dust and pollen, these masks are not PPE but must still be CE labelled.
These reusable textile or neoprene masks, equipped with permanent or removable filters, protect the wearer from particles present in the air. If they are equipped with exhalation valves (to facilitate the evacuation of air during physical effort provided that they are placed in front of the mouth and not on the cheeks), they therefore do not protect people outside against viruses, the air exhaled by the wearer is then not filtered.
Frogmask masks are recognized as the best value for money on the market. Equipped with FFP2/N95 filters, they do not have exhalation valves because the 3D Mesh used is ultra breathable, so valves are unnecessary. They are handmade in France.
What are the criteria for choosing a mask?
Breathability:
A good mask should allow you to breathe and if possible easily, knowing that the more a mask filters, the more it retains air through different layers which make breathing more difficult. FFP3 masks are difficult to use for long periods.
Protection level/particle type:
The mask must meet the type of use you have for it and the particles or pollutants you want to protect yourself against.
Face fit and airtightenning:
If air enters around the edge of the mask because the mask does not stick to the skin, it loses as much of its filtration capabilities. This is why some brands offer different sizes of masks.
Be careful with overly thick beards which no longer provide any watertightness.
It is also necessary to favor masks with an adjustable metal bar at the nose so that the mask fits the contours of the nose as much as possible. This is all the more important for glasses wearers because it allows reduce fogging which rises along the nose when exhaling on classic masks.
To check the fit of a respiratory protection mask, there is a test called Fit-Check: in the absence of leaks, by forced inspiration, with a plastic sheet or hands cupped over the filter, the mask should fit lightly against the face.
Lifetime :
Pollution mask filters do not need to be changed as frequently as a medical mask as long as they are used to filter fine particles and dust only.
