Because fine dust particles and aerosols are nearly undetectable, they pose the greatest harm to human health. As a result, they are nearly imperceptible in the air around us. We can inhale them without even realizing it.

 

This is especially troubling in view of the current scenario. Even the tiniest viruses have the potential to kill humans. They have the ability to damage our respiratory systems quite quickly. Bacteria that enter our bodies through the air can rapidly spread through the bloodstream, giving them access to all areas of our bodies. They can seriously damage everything, often all at once, with no chance for diagnosis or treatment. This is one of the main reasons why having a respirator is so important, especially for employees in the medical field, chemical factory workers, pest exterminators, and a variety of other occupations who are all at risk.

In this column, we'll look at how respirators work, what risks they guard against, and different types of respirators.

 

The functions:

Respirators protect individuals from bacteria and viruses by capturing particles such as smoke, smog, poisonous carbon particles, oily aerosols, and droplets.

 

Manufacturers should evaluate the product standards through extensive testing. Various governments have established rules to guarantee that respirators meet their quality and performance requirements. Respirator manufacturers must demonstrate that their masks provide adequate protection. The filtering efficiency of the dust particles in various air conditions are tested by the government experts through standard procedures.

 

The majority of health agencies have accepted that radioactive or carcinogenic particles are the most hazardous of all. Individuals who are exposed to these for an extended period of time might get several really hazardous diseases. They cause serious damage to the body's respiratory system, which can lead to serious illnesses over time.

 

Respirators filter out particles while also protecting the respiratory system from toxic vapours and gases. To filter contaminants, manufacturers utilize many layers of filtering materials. Dominating part of the mask are these layers.

 

The commonly used materials in the masks are melt-blown or spun-bond. The respirators will have a valve for exhalation. All the different layers of the mask serve different purposes. The respirators should be durable and also provide biological filtration and tear resistance.

Types

 

 

1. FFP1 respirators

 

These FFP1 respirators are typically worn by workers to prevent irritation and odor in the respiratory tract. Used in situations where inhaling particles might cause illness.

 

2. FFP2 respirators

 

These FFP2 respirators are useful in areas where inflammatory particles are present in the breathable air. These particles are extremely dangerous. They can irritate the respiratory tract significantly for a short period of time. In the long run, they will harm the lungs' tissues.

 

3. FFP3 respirators

 

These masks are required in areas where there is radioactive or carcinogenic material in the air. The FFP3 Respirators can also protect employees against airborne fungus spores, germs, and viruses.