Respiratory masks: protection against fine dust & particles in the room air

Fine dust masks

Fine dust masks or fine dust masks with fine dust filters protect you against dusts, smoke, aqueous and oily aerosols and even microorganisms, depending on the filter class, but not against vapours and gases. An activated carbon filter can also protect against unpleasant odours. A distinction is made betweenthree filter classes for fine dust masks: P1 or  FFP1, P2 or  FFP1. FFP2 and P3 or  FFP3 (FFP stands for "face filtering piece"). A mask in filter class FFP3 offers the most comprehensive protection against particles 

The classes are categorised according to the so-called total leakage, which results from the filter's permeability and the mask's leakage at the face and nose.

In addition to the filter classes, fine dust masks are labelled as follows:

R - Stands for "reusable", i.e. the fine dust mask is reusable and can be cleaned without changing its efficiency.

NR - Stands for "nonreusable", i.e. the mask is only intended for single use. Single use refers to a shift of 8 hours. Depending on the working conditions, however, the fine dust mask re-usable should also be changed earlier (e.g. in high heat or high humidity).

D - A fine dust mask with this labelling has been successfully subjected to the dolomite dust storage test, i.e. it can absorb particularly large amounts of dust. The dolomite test is mandatory for masks labelled R (reusable) and voluntary for masks labelled NR (non-reusable).

Filter classes for disposable fine dust masks

The fine dust filter classes mean in detail (always based on particles of max. 0.6 µm):

FFP1 - The total leakage is a maximum of 25 %. A class FFP1 fine dust mask protects against non-toxic and non-fibrogenic dusts. It is suitable for a maximum particle concentration of up to 4 times the occupational exposure limit value (OEL).

FFP2 - The total leakage is a maximum of 11 %. The protective effect is at least 94%. A class FFP2 fine dust mask protects against solid and liquid dusts, smoke and aerosols that are harmful to health. It is suitable for a maximum particle concentration of up to 10 times the occupational exposure limit value (OEL).

FFP3 - The total leakage is a maximum of 5 %. The protective effect is at least 99%. A class FFP3 fine dust mask protects against toxic and harmful dusts, smoke and aerosols, droplet aerosols, carcinogenic or radioactive substances, enzymes and microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and their spores). It is suitable for a maximum particle concentration of up to 30 times the occupational exposure limit value (OEL).

Disposable fine dust mask re-usable masks are also available with and without an exhalation valvetil (masks with a valve sometimes have the labelling V). The exhalation valve ensures that the breathing resistance is lower: the air can escape from the mask more easily when exhaling, but at the same time no particles enter the mask.

We generally recommend disposable fine dust mask re-usable masks with an exhalation valve. With masks without a valve, it can happen that you breathe in very deeply to get enough air – if the mask does not fit perfectly, you may inhale more harmful particles than without a mask.

A prerequisite for the reliability of the filter classes is that the fine dust mask re-usable fits very well. Therefore, always make sure that the mask fits snugly all the way round 

Disposable masks of filter classes FFP1 to FFP3 are not suitable as protection against vapours and gases 

Which filter class do I need for which work?

For working with wood, quartz-containing stone, cement or concrete, for example, class FFP2 is the right choice; for hardwood, a mask of class FFP3 may also be useful.  Marble , alabaster and limestone are less stressful, a mask of class FFP1 may be sufficient here. When working with  soapstone , serpentine and sandstone, especially in enclosed spaces, you should always wear a class FFP2 dust mask. In closed rooms, we also recommend working with an air filter device for  dust extraction .

Fine dust filter classes for reusable fine dust mask re-usables

In addition to disposable masks, there are also fine dust mask re-usable masks, e.g. made of plastic with replaceable filters. These masks are very easy to clean without losing their seal. They therefore fulfil the criterion for reusable fine dust mask re-usables. The fine dust filters for these fine dust mask re-usables are also divided into three classes:

P1 - Protection against solid particles; the highest permissible pollutant concentration at which a mask with this filter may be used is 5 times the OEL value.

P2 - Protection against solid and liquid particles; the highest permissible pollutant concentration at which a mask with this filter may be used is 10 times the OEL value.

P3 - Protection against solid and liquid particles; the highest permissible pollutant concentration at which a mask with this filter may be used is 200 times the OEL value.

These particle filters are also not suitable as protection against vapours and gases.

Fine dust mask re-usable for protection against vapours and gases

If you are exposed to vapours and gases because you are working with solvent-containing substances, paints and varnishes for example, you will need masks with filters of other filter classes. It is advisable to use a good fine dust mask re-usable with replaceable filters. This will provide you with reliable protection.