Are you exposed to harmful dust, fumes or gases? If the answer was yes, it is time to use respiratory protection, which is also essential during this pandemic as it reduces the possibility of contagion by some type of virus.
Before purchasing a mask, you should take into account the following points:
1. Check that the product you are considering is certified as a respirator (such as an N95, FFP2 or KN95). Certified respirators contain filtration material capable of capturing particles, including those that are too small to see with the naked eye.
2. Select a respirator that can seal against the face without any cracks. To provide respiratory protection, a respirator must fit snugly on the wearer’s face to ensure that there are no cracks between the face and the respirator seal. Even very small spaces between the face and the rim of the respirator allow air and particles to go around the filter media.
Remember that NON-CERTIFIED masks do not have adequate filtration material and may not be designed to form a seal against the face and therefore may not provide the expected protection to the lungs.
Before purchasing a respiratory protection product, it is important to read the information on the packaging and make sure that the product meets the above requirements.