BASICS: Particle filter classes

In times of pandemics, protective masks are quickly sold out. Coronavirus could become something like that. The surgical masks are always very popular, even though they actually only prevent you from infecting others through droplet transmission, they do not offer you any protection against infection yourself. For serious protection, you need particle filters. These are available in two types, as (disposable) respiratory masks or as filter attachments for half and full masks. Gas filters (ABEK etc.) usually do not protect you against viruses and other particles. First, let's talk about respiratory masks:

These are classified in Europe according to the EN 149 standard and divide the filter masks into three categories, FFP1 to FFP3. From the FFP2 level, you have protection against solid and liquid aerosols. We have presented the filter performance of the protection levels and their restrictions in tabular form for you:

For handling carcinogenic or radioactive substances and pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungal spores, the use of an FFP3 mask is recommended. There are countless products available on the market. The advantage of these masks is that they are very light and easy to use.

However, there are additional designations for these filter classes in the form of R and NR. The "R" at the end stands for Reuseable, while "NR" stands for Non Reuseable. Masks with NR cannot be reused. The filter performance cannot be guaranteed after prolonged use.

The exchangeable filter cartridges for half and full masks are classified according to the EN 143 standard and are also divided into three levels: P1 to P3. From the P2 level, you have protection against solid and liquid aerosols. Here is a table for you.

In general, class P3 filters paper slightly better than the respiratory protection class FFP3. Of course, it depends on how well the mask seals with your face.

Here too, there are additional designations for the filter classes in the form of R. The "R" at the end stands for Reuseable. These filters can be used multiple times.

To make things even more confusing, there are the American protective standards called NIOSH. NIOSH stands for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is the US federal agency for occupational safety and health research. They have established respiratory protection standards which you may come across when searching for respiratory protection in English on Google.

As before, here is a nice table:

It looks very similar to our European counterpart, although the particle filtering efficiency is much higher. The letters "N, R, and P" stand for: Not oil resistant, Oil Resistant, and Oil Proof. This is an indicator of resistance against oil particles in the air. The R and P filters are mainly needed in the industrial sector. For those wanting to protect themselves from viruses and other particles in the city, a filter class N95 or N99 is definitely sufficient. Those who want to be extra careful can choose an N100 filter.

Those who want to protect themselves from viruses and avoid infection, for example with Coronavirus COVID-19, should get a filter mask or half mask with particle filters at least in class FFP2, P2, or N95. A higher class is never wrong, as it also protects against many other particles, such as asbestos, lead dust, etc.

HERE you can find scientific information about COVID-19

All information about COVID-19 on the AGES website

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