About FFP2 standard masks
European standard EN 149:2001 defines three levels of dust mask protection: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.
FFP1: minimum filtering effect > 80%
FFP2: minimum filtering effect > 94%
FFP3: minimum filtering effect > 97%
Different types of FFP2 masks use different filtration materials. Most FFP2 masks have four layers of filtration materials: two layers of non-woven fabric + one layer of dissolving spray cloth + one layer of needled cotton. Their role is to harmful aerosol, including dust, smoke, fog droplets, toxic gases and toxic vapors, such as adsorption through the filter material, blocking and not being inhaled
FFP2 standard mask, equivalent to the Chinese GB 2626-2006 standard KN95 mask
The KN95 and N95 masks are of the same level of protection, but are tested according to different national standards: the KN95 masks comply with Chinese standards, and the N95 masks comply with American NIOSH standards for dust masks, and both are no less than 95% effective against non-oily particles (sodium chloride for experimental purposes).
Regarding FFP2 mask maintenance, the electrostatic filter cotton material used for the mask cannot be washed. Once washed, it will destroy the fabric density of the filter material and reduce the dust protection level of FFP2 mask. It can only be used as a windproof and thermal mask. When the mask is not worn, it should be folded and stored in a clean airtight bag.
