Disposable Sterile Surgical Medical Mask (Dust, Fumes, Germs)

Particulate respirators, like P2 Masks protect against airborne particles like dust, mist and fumes but don’t offer any form of protection against airborne contaminants like gases, chemicals and vapours. They do not protect against gases. Commonly known as P1, P2, P3 or N-95 filtering facepiece respirators or dust masks, they are designed for a very close facial fit and are often used widely in healthcare facilities, construction and metal fabrication industries. They work by purifying particles in the air as you breath. The difference in these particulate respirators are as follows:

• Surgical Masks– designed to prevent exposure of patients to the wearer’s saliva and respiratory secretions. Do not protect against particle or chemical exposure.
• P1 rated respirators– retain about 80% of particles smaller than 2 micrometres. Protects against low levels of dust.
• P2 rated respirators– retain about 94% of particles smaller than 0.5 micrometre. Protect against mechanically generated particles, but also protect against mists, fumes and vapours arising from jobs such as welding, spraying, painting and garden dusting.
• P3 rated respirators– retain about 99.95% of particles smaller than 0.5Protects against dusts containing: beryllium, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, radium, strychnine, radioactive particles.
• N95 rated respirators– This mask is almost identical to the P2 rated masks, however the N95 classification means the mask complies with USA testing requirements

No. P2 masks don’t provide complete protection. They do not remove or protect against gases contained in the smoke such as carbon monoxide.

The P2 disposable masks increase inhalation resistance. The longer they are used, the more difficult it is to breathe due to absorbed dusts. Furthermore, their effectiveness is reduced accordingly to the growth of carbon dioxide and water vapour between the half-mask bowl and face (so-called dead zone). The carbon dioxide concentration within the dead zone increases after every exhalation.

Therefore, P2 disposable respirators with non-return exhalation valves, accelerating gas circulations, are recommended in order to improve the comfort of use and improve effectiveness of the mask. The valve allows carbon dioxide to escape, which makes the mask safer and more comfortable to wear.

P2 rated respirators are available with carbon activated filters for protection against nuisance-level organic vapours. Activated carbon, also called activate charcoal, is a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. Activated carbon can be coated to masks in order to improve the effectiveness in reducing the pollutants. The activated carbon layer in P2 Safety Masks absorbs offensive odours in applications involving thermally generated particles (particularly welding). It controls odours and fumes, but does not protect against gases or chemicals. 

P2 dust masks are primarily used for particle protection and WILL NOT protect against chemicals or toxic vapours such as: organic vapours from paint fumes, thinners or glue; acid fumes; or gases such as carbon monoxide from petrol engines.

For hygiene reasons, use disposable masks and replace them when they get moist. Masks can only be worn for a maximum of eight hours in one stretch of time and it is best to change them regularly so they can remain effective.