Recall: Risk of suffocation if the FFP2 mask is faulty

EU warns
Recall of FFP2 mask due to danger of suffocation

A recall of protective masks would have affected a niche of professional groups a good two years ago, but is now relevant for the general population. Medical masks have been part of our everyday life since the corona pandemic; we carry them in our handbag and on our face alongside our most important belongings such as keys and cell phones. In the meantime, FFP2 masks can also be bought almost everywhere; they are produced by numerous manufacturers around the world. As a result, however, it happens again and again that defective masks get into circulation.

Via the European Union Rapid Alert System “RAPEX” was now warned of certain masks. This time, however, the problem is not in the lack of protection – but in too high a density of the filters. Due to the high resistance of the material, there may be problems with exhalation. This results in an acute risk of suffocation.

Recall of FFP2 mask due to choking hazard

Specifically, the recall involves the following FFP2 mask:

According to RAPEX information, the product does not meet the EN-149 standard and therefore not the European standards. The physical resistance of the mouth and nose protection is too high. In the worst case, the FFP2 mask could even lead to suffocation. The material would prevent the wearer from fully exhaling, so that they would in turn get too little oxygen when they inhale, according to the website of the EU Rapid Alert System.

The affected FFP2 mask should therefore no longer be worn. They were sold in white packaging with turquoise-green inscription in packs of 10.

Brigitte