European respirator standards

[1] EN 149 defines three classes of such particle half masks, called FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3, according to their filtering efficiency.

Such mechanical filter respirators protect against the inhalation of particulates such as dust particles, droplets, and aerosols.

[6][7] The EN 149 standard defines performance requirements for three classes of particle-filtering half masks: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3.

European standard EN 143 defines the 'P' classes of particle filters that can be attached to a face mask.

EN 149 tests the inward leakage between the mask and face, where 10 human subjects perform 5 exercises each.

The abbreviation NR or R is added after FFP1, FFP2, FFP3: Additional suffixes include: Masks manufactured before the new standard was taken into account may still have the old marking.

Here is the notice that should appear on every mask : The marking must comply with European Union Directive 89/686 / EEC[8] on PPE.

EN 149 tests the ability of masks to protect the wearers against inhaling liquid and dry aerosols.

It makes no statement about, and does not specifically test the suitability of such masks for, infection control against airborne transmission of pathogens through respiratory droplets.