While exciting citizens are actively buying buckwheat and pasta, connoisseurs of the "post-apocalypse" genre think in completely different categories. “Does a gas mask help with coronavirus?” They are interested.
If someone answers this question simply “yes” or “no”, you should know that this is an amateur. The correct answer is: a standard gas mask does not save from viruses - it saves a filter that can be attached to it. And not just any, but with a certain marking.
Which gas mask will save you from infection?
First of all, it is worth knowing that gas masks are of two types:
- filtering;
- insulating.
The filter will save you from the “crown” in the event that it is equipped with a filter of a certain type. But the insulating one does not provide any “if” - when using it, breathing air is supplied not from the atmosphere, but from a special reservoir. That is, the risk of infection during the use of such equipment is reduced to zero.
How to find the right filter?
So, suppose you have a modern gas mask. Now your task is to find a gas mask that will prevent the virus from reaching your lungs.
To simplify the selection of filter elements, two types of marking are provided:
- alphabetic
- color.
Filter elements that can trap viruses are indicated by the letter P and white.
But that is not all. White filters with the letter P in the title are divided into categories by efficiency:
- P1 - low efficiency (Grade 1) - capture only 80% of viruses and aerosol particles;
- P2 - medium efficiency (Grade 2) - delay 94%;
- P3 - highly effective (Grade 3) - block 99.95% of viruses and other microscopic "harmful".
Therefore, if you want to be guaranteed to be saved from the “crown”, buy filter elements marked P3 (this classification is accepted in the Russian Federation). According to the European standard, they are indicated by the code P3SL. In the USA, the classification is completely different - if you decide to order from America, you will have to delve into the local standards and designations.
Unfortunately, recently many stores specializing in the sale of personal protective equipment have stopped accepting orders from individuals and work only with firms and government agencies.
Where to buy gas masks and filters?
The easiest way is to order in an online store specializing in the sale of PPE (personal protective equipment). You can also visit a similar point of sale "in real life", if any, in your locality.
How much do gas masks and filters cost?
Good filtering gas masks - from 2000 rubles, P3 filters - from 250 rubles (more often there are combination ones on sale - they are more expensive). It is more difficult to buy an insulating gas mask, and it costs a lot - from 15,000 rubles.
How long can I use the P3SL filter?
No one will say for sure. It all depends on the air pollution in the place where you use it. If the air is more or less clean, the filter can last a month. If there is a lot of dust and other particles - 1-2 days.
Well, draw conclusions. If you have a rare Soviet gas mask in your pantry, it will not save you from a coronavirus - you need to purchase a modern one with a high-quality filter. But it is unlikely that in the near future there will come times when such measures will be justified. In the end, why exactly a gas mask? There are respirators that doctors use when working with infectious patients. The valves of such products are also equipped with P3SL filters.