Suva takes defective FFP2 masks off the market
Suva has been monitoring the quality of FFP2 respirators available on the market since the beginning of the pandemic and has withdrawn various defective products from circulation in recent months.
Inadequate respirators are a high risk in view of the pandemic. "It becomes dangerous when people wear inadequate FFP2 respirators and think they are in a false sense of security," emphasizes André Meier, head of the Lucerne occupational safety and health department at Suva.
13 defective products removed from the market
In 2021, Suva initiated a total of sales bans and recalls for 13 products that showed insufficient protective efficacy in laboratory testing. The defective masks have since been removed from the market.
As Suva further writes, the quality of FFP2 respirators available on the market has increased significantly compared to the situation in July 2022. In addition to quality, the general availability of respirators in the Swiss market has also increased in recent months.
When does an FPP2 mask protect?
FFP2 respirators generally offer better protection than hygiene masks. It is important that it is worn correctly. The following points must be observed:
- When selecting respirators, make sure they are compliant.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct use of the FFP2 respirator.
- In particular, the mask must fit tightly to the face (stubble already affects the protective effect) and the nose clip must be adapted to the shape of the face.
- The inside of the mask must be clean. Change the mask if it becomes dirty.
Source: Suva
