Elena Piccinini
Nanoparticles are a topic that has been discussed for years. Under certain conditions, exposure to nanoparticles that are too small for the human body’s natural defense mechanisms can have a negative impact on our health and the environment.
What are nanoparticles and why are they so dangerous?
They are particles with a diameter of about 0.001 µm (micrometer) – it is worth noting that disposable masks according to EN 149 are tested with particles with an average diameter of 0.4 µm. Because of their small size, they behave in a way that can be described as intermediate between gases and the rest of the particles, meaning that they can penetrate cells and tissues, move through the body and cause biochemical damage. Many scientific studies have been published on the subject, but it still needs further testing and a better understanding of its scope: nanoparticles are everywhere, as they are generated by various phenomena such as volcanic eruptions and combustion processes, and can largely be found in urban pollution.
In addition, nanoparticles are present in many industries, such as welding, grinding, metal cutting, printing, injection processes, molding, sandblasting, etc. Basically, whenever particles are generated, nanoparticles are also present at the same time, although it is difficult to determine their percentage occurrence.
An Itene (ITENE Research Center) study showed that BLS Zer0 and Zer0 Flat disposable masks, as well as BLS P3 bayonet filters, are able to filter out more than 99% of these nanoparticles, such as carbon nanofibers and metal oxides.
This particular filtration achievement has been combined with a refined cup and flat mask design to address all users’ needs.
BLS is an Italian manufacturer of respiratory protective equipment: our production facilities are located in Italy and Spain, and we rely on a network of selected suppliers, all located in Europe. We are fully committed to the design and manufacture of disposable and reusable respirators, with an in-house research and development department and a laboratory fully focused not only on quality control, but also on the research of new materials. In 2021/2022, we promoted the EPI4Nano project, carried out by the Itene Research Institute based in Valencia: the aim of the project was to design and validate respiratory protection devices capable of filtering nanoparticles.
