Implications of FFP Protection Levels In the work environment, aerosols and fine particles are two of the most dangerous health risks, barely visible in the air we breathe. Filtering face shields provide protection against three hazards: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.

FFP mask grade

Importance of Respiratory Protection Hazardous particles may cause cancer or be radioactive; others can harm the respiratory system. Decades of exposure can lead to the development of serious conditions. In the best-case scenario, all workers face unpleasant odors. Filtering masks provide three types of protection against oily aerosols, fumes and fine particles during work. Their protective function complies with EU norm EN149. Also known as particle filtration half masks or fine particle masks, such masks are classified into protection classes FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.

How do gas masks work?

Filtering masks protect against inhalation of respirable dust, smoke, and mist (aerosols), but not vapors and gases. The classification system consists of three FFP classes, the acronym FFP stands for "Filtering Face Mask". Respiratory masks cover the mouth and nose and are constructed from various filter materials and the mask itself. Their use is mandatory in work environments where occupational exposure limits (OELs) are exceeded. This is the maximum concentration of dust, fumes and/or aerosols in breathing air that does not pose a health hazard. In the event of an infringement, a mask must be worn.

What is the protective scope of the respirator?

Respirators ranging from FFP1 to FFP2 to FFP3 provide respiratory protection for various concentrations of pollutants based on total leakage and filtration of particle sizes up to 0.6μm. Total leakage is based on filter penetration as well as leakage in the mouth and nose area.

JINYE respirator masks are designed to avoid these by adapting our mask to human anatomy. Thanks to innovative filter technology, breathing resistance is kept to a minimum after multiple wears and breathing does not exacerbate particles trapped in the filter.

FFP1 level

Protection against toxic and non-fibrous dusts

Inhalation may lead to the development of health conditions; also irritates the respiratory system and causes an unpleasant odor

Total leakage up to 25%

This mask can be used up to four times the OEL damage

Respirators with a protection level of FFP1 are suitable for working environments where no toxic or fibrous dust and aerosols are produced. They filter out at least 80% of particles up to 0.6μm in size and are worn away as long as the maximum workplace concentration violation measurement does not exceed four times the value. The construction or food industry uses FFP1 gas masks in many cases.

FFP2 level

Prevents the generation of hard and fluid harmful dusts, fumes and aerosols

Particles can be fibrogenic - meaning they can irritate the respiratory system in the short term and cause lung tissue to become less elastic in the long run

The total leakage is up to 11%

OEL violation reaches ten times the value

Respirators with a protection level of FFP2 are suitable for working environments where harmful and mutagenic particles are found in the breathing air. Such respirator masks must contain at least 94% particles of a maximum size of 0.6 μm and can be used in environments with concentrations exceeding the OEL by up to tenfold. The same goes for the TRK value (Technical Reference Concentration). Respirators with a protection level of FFP2 are commonly worn in the metal and mining industries. In the long run, workers in these industries are frequently exposed to aerosols, mists and fumes, which can lead to respiratory diseases such as lung cancer. On top of that, they carry a huge risk of secondary disease and active tuberculosis.

At present, FFP2 masks are also one of the main safety protective masks for COVID-19.

FFP3 level

Protects against toxic and harmful dusts, fumes and aerosols

For use with carcinogenic or radioactive substances or pathogens (e.g. viruses, bacteria and fungal spores), FFP3 respirator masks are recommended.

Total leakage up to 5%

OEL violation to thirty times the value

The respirator with the protection level of FFP3 can protect the breathing air from pollution to the greatest extent. Total leaks can be up to 5%, and they must filter 99% of particles up to 0.6 μm. The mask also filters toxic, carcinogenic and radioactive particles. Protection class FFP3 face shields are used in environments where the industry-specific value of the OEL is exceeded by thirty times in the work environment. They are commonly used in the chemical industry.