UOKiK tested anti-smog masks. Half of them do not protect against air pollution

UOKiK has already tested the anti-smog masks for the second time. In view of eight entrepreneurs supplying them to trading, they plan to institute proceedings. As a consequence, it may order the withdrawal of the product, impose a financial penalty or force publication of an advertisement, in which the entrepreneur will show detected discrepancies in his anti-smog mask.

The first time the Trade Inspection , at the request of UOKiK, checked the anti-smog masks (technically known as filtering half-masks) in the third quarter of 2017. 10 products were targeted at the target. All masks were examined in the laboratory of the Central Institute for Labor Protection - National Research Institute in Łódź.

Two models of half-masks had negative results on the total internal leak, and one of them - also a bad result of testing the mist penetration of paraffin oil. This means that they do not have adequate protective properties and let in harmful harmful dust - he informed the UOKiK.

The second control - more masks under the microscope.

This time, representatives of the Trade Inspection in the fourth quarter of 2018 visited 13 construction stores and warehouses in 5 provinces. A total of 21 anti-smog masks were tested. 6 in terms of only the marking, and 15 in terms of meeting three parameters: inhalation resistance, mist penetration of paraffin oil and internal leakage.

Unfortunately, it turned out that nearly half of the tested anti-smog masks did not undergo laboratory tests. Thus, these products do not protect users from dangerous air pollution in any way.

Anti-smog masks, or poor control results.

The research results are not optimistic. Six masks did not meet the technical requirements - in 4 cases of one parameter, in two - two. Two masks did not pass the test for exhalation resistance test. Two others did not make it during the exam checking the penetration resistance of paraffin oil. In two cases, an internal leakage occurred. So the masks had a weak filter and were just leaky.

As many as 11 masks had bad markings. Manufacturer's data or information about whether it was a single-use or multi-use mask was missing. In 9 cases, a problem with a compulsory declaration of compliance was detected. It was missing, or it did not have all the data or it was issued by an unauthorized entity.

Wielkopolska thread from China.

A particular interest of the Trade Inspection in Poznań was raised by 4 models of masks, which the entrepreneur wanted to market. The entire party, numbering 55 thousand. pieces, he brought from China.

He declared that the masks had been tested in an accredited laboratory in the EU, but as it turned out, it was not accredited for testing them. We checked these masks and found that they did not meet the requirements. Thanks to our controls, 55,000 defective masks will no longer be sold to consumers. We can say that we have protected all residents of Tomaszów Mazowiecki, which was on the list of the most polluted cities. Entrepreneurs should verify whether the laboratories have accreditation for testing their products, in this case individual protection means, which are filtering respirators - convinces Marek Niechciał , the President of UOKiK.

Possible withdrawal order.

In view of the eight producers of controlled anti-smog masks, UOKiK plans to initiate appropriate proceedings. It's a six-mask trader who failed tests in the lab and two with bad marks. There are several possibilities. It can simply be an order to withdraw a lot of mask data from the market. It can also end with a financial penalty - up to 100,000. zł. UOKiK may also order the entrepreneur to publish an ad in which he will include information about irregularities detected.

UOKiK points out, however, that good will matters. If the entrepreneur will cooperate with the office, he will not make trouble when ordering the withdrawal of products from trade, he will present relevant documentation - UOKiK may withdraw from enforcement of the imposed financial penalty.

Are you buying a mask? Check what to look for.

Today, the purchase of an anti-smog mask seems to be the only reasonable step in its own fight for clean air, and by the way for its health. However, it is worth making the right choice on this occasion. This is possible, if we look for the appropriate symbols on the mask, demonstrating its effectiveness.

• CE - such a symbol on the mask means that it meets the technical and legal requirements;
• FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 - filter protection class; 1 - the weakest, 3 - the highest;
• NR - is a half mask, what is important: single use;
• R - reusable half-mask;
• D - half mask after positive test results for dolomite dust clogging

The mounting method and visible manufacturer are also important.

When buying an anti-smog mask, it is also worth paying attention to other aspects than just symbols. Not without significance is the method of attachment (the so-called headbands, i.e. tape or elastics fixing the half-mask on the user's head). The regulations also require the mask to contain information about the producer or its designer. In the case of imported products - contact details of the importer.

A manual should also be attached to each mask. In it, the user is to find information about the method of maintenance, intended use, restrictions on the use of the mask, or about any periodical inspections of the filter.

UOKiK tested anti-smog masks. Half of them do not protect against air pollution