PPE

The effect of PM2.5 masks purchased by Shanghai Consumer Protection Commission is worrying

“The only choice for outdoor isolation of PM2.5”, “anti bacteria and anti haze, a dust-free mask”, “filtration efficiency of PM2.5 air particles and bacteria > 99%”… With the increasingly serious urban air haze, we often see the propaganda of filtration efficiency and protection function in a variety of mask product advertisements. So, can these PM2.5 masks really protect against PM2.5? Shanghai Consumer Protection Commission simulated the identity of consumers and purchased 17 samples (including 2 samples purchased from physical stores and 15 samples purchased from online stores), and entrusted Shanghai labor protection articles quality supervision and inspection station to test the key indicators such as mask filtration efficiency, (total) leakage rate, inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance

filtration efficiency is a key indicator of the basic performance of the mask, which refers to the percentage of particulate matter that can be filtered by the mask under the specified detection conditions. 1t was found that the filtration efficiency of 7 samples was more than 90%, and the filtration effect was better; 8 samples were less than 50%, and the lowest was only 6.5%. According to reports, no matter how efficient the filter of the mask is, it can not provide effective protection even if it is not well fitted. Therefore, the (total) leakage rate of the mask is also a key technical index. The spot check found that except for 2 samples which were too small to be tested, the other 15 samples were tested, and the leakage rate of 5 samples (total) was less than 10%; 6 samples more than 50%. The inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance of masks will affect consumers’ use experience. Of the 17 samples tested, except for 2 samples which were too small to be tested, the rest 15 samples were tested. The inspiratory resistance values ranged from 26 PA to 274 PA, and the expiratory resistance values ranged from 21 PA to 119 PA

in addition, product identification can reflect the basic information of the product, help users understand the information of the product, and avoid wrong selection and use. 1t mainly includes: product name, trademark or other identifiable manufacturer’s mark, size or model (if applicable), executive standard, filter material grade of filter element; Certificate, product instructions, factory name, address, production date, etc. Experts remind consumers to try their best to buy masks with packaging and “La” (labor protection) logo on the packaging or both “La” and “QS” logos; Pay attention to the product identification when purchasing, and check whether the product name, production date, factory name, address, shelf life, product instructions, etc. are clearly marked; The filter materials used in masks are generally treated by very complicated process, which are disposable products and should not be washed

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