Gunshot residue is the microscopic particles and other residual materials expelled from firearms each time an ammunition is fired. It is important for sports shooters to take safety measures to protect their health and that of those around them. The gases and gunpowder residues released when ammunition is fired can be very harmful to the body if inhaled. So the question is, which protective mask should you use for shooting sports?
What are gunshot residues?
After pulling the trigger on a firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol, etc.), the firing pin ignites a highly explosive mixture called primer located at the back of the cartridge. This primer then ignites the powder, which in turn explodes and propels the projectile out of the barrel. The result is a large volume of gas and nanoparticles produced by the combustion of various chemicals, but which also contain lubricant or grease and metallic microparticles from the projectile, the case and the weapon - gunshot residue. This is the smoke that can be seen very clearly with the naked eye escaping from the breech of the gun and the muzzle of the barrel. Let's face it, these residues are extremely harmful to your health.
What mask should you use to protect your airways when shooting?
The priority is for the shooting range to be equipped with a high-performance ventilation and extraction system, but because the particles are so fine, they spread quickly through the atmosphere, so it's also best to provide personal protection.
Respiratory protection masks are essential accessories for marksmen and women in both training and competition, particularly those working in closed environments. A good quality mask can filter out all the gases and gunpowder residues emanating from shooting, protecting the shooters and those in their vicinity.
Frogmasks are suitable for shooting sports
It's important to choose a quality protective mask like the Frogmasks with their FFP2 filters, which filter out at least 94% of particles down to a size of 0.4µm. The 3 sizes mean you can choose a mask to suit the shape of your face for optimum airtightness. The mask must not leave gaps at the sides, otherwise the air breathed in will not pass completely through the filter and the mask will be completely ineffective in protecting you from pollution and dust.
For those who wear glasses, which is normally 100% of shooters, the Frogmask does not fog up. Fitted with two flexible aluminium rods at nose level (one on the filter and the other on the mask), hot exhaled air does not rise up the nose to create condensation on the glasses.
There are 5 colours in the range: black, black & white, burgundy, orange and blue. There is no camouflage version for hunting yet. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Make sure the mask fits snugly and doesn't leave any gaps with the skin around the edges. We also recommend changing the filter regularly to ensure the best protection.
A FFP2 filter is included for the unit price of 39 euros per mask. The pack of 10 filters is sold separately for 28 euros including VAT.
By using the right respiratory mask, sports shooters can train safely and protect their health.
