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Mintautas Kamandulis, representative of Camelia Pharmacy, says what they mean, what measures better protect not only those around them, but also the person wearing the mask.
According to the pharmacist, the purpose of all masks and respirators is protective: these measures protect our respiratory tract and prevent the entry of small particles that float in the air, and prevent the virus from entering the environment.
“Reliable face masks increase our protection against harmful airborne particles: dust, dust, bacteria and viruses that are spread by air droplets. It is true that not all masks are equally safe; some protect better than others. Therefore, when choosing which device to cover the mouth and nose to use, you must first pay attention to the markings on them, ”says M. Kamandulis.
In addition, the pharmacist adds that the proper use of protective masks is particularly important: the mask or respirator must cover the respiratory tract (necessarily both the mouth and the nose), it must be close to the face and the colored side of the medical mask must stay out.
If these signs are not present, it is better not to buy masks.
The pharmacist says that the first CE marking (Conformité Européenne, European Conformity) does not indicate the level of safety of the mask, but indicates that the product marked with it is safe to use.
“A product with the CE mark complies with all the European Union safety, health and environmental requirements, which are guaranteed by the manufacturer. This mark must appear on products produced anywhere in the world and sold in the EU. Therefore, if you see this sign on a mask or respirator, you can be sure that the device will serve its purpose, ”says M. Kamandulis.
Different countries have different levels of protection
The pharmacist says that people generally do not understand what the markings on the respirator (FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3) mean and how they differ from other commonly found markings, N95 or P100. According to the specialist, they indicate the level of protection of the measure and the country in which the product was manufactured.
“Respirators made in the European Union are marked with the letters FFP, which stands for” filtering facepiece “, and the number next to them indicates the level of protection. For example, the filter on the FFP1 respirator protects against approximately 80 percent . airborne particles, the respirator filter FFP2 does not pass up to 94 percent. particles and FFP3 at least 99%. Meanwhile, respirators manufactured in other countries are labeled differently, but all can be equated with the the EU ”, says the pharmacist in a press release.
According to him, a respirator made in the USA that can be considered the equivalent of FFP2 will be marked N95, R95 or P95, and on a respirator with FFP3 face protection you will find the letter N, R or P and a number 99 or 100 at the side (for example, N99). A Chinese-made respirator equivalent to the FFP2 face shield will be marked KN95.
Respirators are far from suitable for everyone
Pharmacist M. Kamandulis emphasizes that people still think that the valve on respirators is designed to protect against particles, but this is because it is easier to breathe.
“By trapping bacteria, viruses and other particles, the respirator also traps air, making it difficult for the wearer to breathe. Therefore, people with cardiovascular, chronic or lung diseases should think carefully if they really need this face protection; after a long time on a respirator, these people can have various health problems, says the pharmacist.
– In any case, simple medical masks should not be underestimated, they are perfect for everyday use. It is important that said protection device bears the CE marking and has at least three protective layers: a hydrophilic, a hydrophobic and an intermediate filter “.
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