• Laboratory tests reveal a filtering half-mask (called an “anti-pollution” half-mask) that lets harmful dusts pass through and a carbon monoxide sensor that fails to sound an alarm when carbon monoxide is released.
• UOKiK has instructed the Trade Inspection Authority to check if filtering half-masks and carbon monoxide sensors really protect us against toxic substances.
• UOKiK advises consumers what they should pay attention to when purchasing these products.

Carbon monoxide and smog are silent killers. They are especially dangerous in winter. Caring about the safety of our citizens, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection arranged testing of products which are supposed to protect us against these hazards. It has been found that not everybody can be trusted.

Inspection of anti-pollution masks

On frosty and windless days, smog hovers over many Polish cities. On such days, we breathe in chemical compounds (e.g. benzopyrenes) and dusts (PM10 and PM 2,5), which are harmful for human health, potentially leading to allergies, lung diseases or even cancer. More and more people purchase anti-pollution masks to protect themselves against polluted air. How effective are they? The Trade Inspection Authority has carried out a pilot programme on behalf of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection to find this out.

The Trade Inspection Authority examined 10 models of particle filtering half-mask, commonly called anti-pollution masks. The inspection was performed in 9 voivodeships in the third quarter of 2017. Inspectors checked 12 randomly selected businesses: mainly wholesale companies and shops.

All half-masks were tested in the laboratory of the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute in Łódź. Following the inspection, the Trade Inspection Authority expressed reservations with respect to five products.

Two models of half-masks had unsatisfactory results of tests measuring the total internal leakage. In addition, one of these models failed the paraffin oil mist penetration test. This means that they do have adequate protective properties and are permeable to harmful dusts that are present in the air. The President of UOKiK has thus far instigated administrative proceedings in one case concerning a non-compliant half-mask. In another case, the entrepreneur appealed to UOKiK against the decision of the Trade Inspection Authority prohibiting further sale of a non-compliant product. The two cases are pending and the companies concerned may not sell half-masks until a ruling is passed.

In the case of three other half-masks, the inspectors found that they did not satisfy some formal requirements, e.g. in the instructions for use. The Trade Inspection Authority sent
a letter to the entrepreneurs concerned, informing them that they could undertake voluntary corrective efforts. The cases are pending.

Due to growing concerns over smog, UOKiK intends to continue monitoring the market of half-masks. All the more so because consumers are not able to assess on their own whether anti-pollution masks satisfy legal requirements and provide them with adequate protection.

Inspections of carbon monoxide sensors

We are at risk of CO asphyxiation during a fire or when we have a gas- or coal-fired heating system with a stove or chimney flues that can allow carbon monoxide to filter into the home. Being odourless and colourless, carbon monoxide is difficult to detect.

Between December 2016 and December 2017, the Trade Inspection Authority carried out inspections in different voivodeships. The inspections involved businesses which have carbon monoxide sensors in their product range. In total, inspectors examined 104 models of sensors. The Trade Inspection Authority contested 41 models.

21 models were tested in specialist laboratories. Experts were checking if the alarm was activated in a timely manner at specific concentrations of CO (30 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 300 ppm). For example, at a concentration of 300 ppm, the alarm should be activated within 3 minutes, at a concentration of 100 ppm – between the 10th and 40th minute. In seven detectors, the alarm did not work as it should – it was not activated at all or it was activated too late or too early.

Some formal shortcoming were identified, too. The most serious ones were connected with missing warnings for consumers or incomplete information in the operating instructions.

Following the inspections UOKiK has already instituted five administrative proceedings and is considering the commencement of four more proceedings. Information about two defective detectors was forwarded to the RAPEX base, the EU rapid alert system notifying Member States about unsafe products.

Filtering half-masks, called “anti-pollution” masks - guide

Filtering half-masks are made from filtering material and provide protection not only against smog, but against construction dust as well. They can be used by walkers, people renovating their homes or by construction workers. Filtering half-masks, often also called anti-dust masks, should cover the nose, mouth and chin. In addition, they may have an inspiratory valve and/or an exhalation valve.

When buying a mask, pay attention to:

1. The abbreviations visible on the mask or its packaging:

CE – means that the manufacturer has completed a conformity assessment procedure and declares that its product meets all technical and legal requirements. Do not buy a mask without such a marking;

FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 – denotes the filter protection class: the lowest is 1, the highest – 3;

NR – a non-reusable half-mask. Do not put it on again and do not wear it longer than
8 hours (it is intended for use during only one work shift);

R – a reusable half-mask;

D – means that the half-mask has a superior resistance to clogging tested with dolomite dust. Choose a product with this symbol if you are planning to work in a dusty room for prolonged periods of time, e.g. during renovation of a house.

2. Instructions for use. It must be in Polish and it must contain information, among other things, about the way of putting on, adjusting and using the half-mask. In the case of
   a reusable product, it must also contain information about its maintenance.
3. The size of the half-mask. To fulfil its task, the half-mask must ideally fit the shape of the face and adhere tightly to it. The size “S”, “M” or “L” is provided by the manufacturer for guidance only. Try the mask on if it is possible. Make sure that the head harness or head bands are not, for example, too long, making the half-mask slide down or stick out.
4. How should the half-mask be looked after? If it has a filter, check it from time to time and maintain and replace it in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer. Pay attention to the surface of the filtering material – a dirty half-mask may lose its properties.

See UOKiK’s guide for more information on filtering half-masks.

Carbon monoxide sensors - guide

Carbon monoxide sensors are home-use devices which will sound an alarm upon detection of a CO buildup in the room.

When buying a sensor, pay attention to:

• Type of sensor. Type A – triggers a visual and sound alarm, and may also activate ventilation. Type B – only triggers a visual and sound alarm.
• Type of power supply. Carbon monoxide sensors are battery operated or mains powered. Select a battery-powered sensor if you have frequent power failures.
• Standard. The sensor should be marked with the name of the
  PN-EN 50291-1:2010/A1:2013-05 standard. In this way, the entrepreneur certifies that the sensor has undergone the required safety tests.
• Instructions for use. Must be written in Polish and must contain full, unambiguous and accurate information concerning the installation, proper functioning and regular checking of the device. It will also tell you what to do in the event of an alarm and how to identify malfunctions of the sensor.

Also remember that:

• Even if you have a sensor it is still necessary to make sure that stoves are installed and maintained correctly. Periodic inspections, maintenance and repairs of chimney flues are necessary, too.
• Do not block ventilation openings and do not seal windows in rooms where there are devices that may produce carbon monoxide. Open windows regularly there.
• Have your sensor installed by a qualified technician.
• If an alarm is triggered, it is important to find and remove the source of increased levels of CO. They may be caused, for example, by an incorrect connection of the heating stove to the chimney.
• In the case of a CO leak or CO poisoning, alert appropriate services. Call, for example, the emergency number - 112, the fire brigade - 998, the police - 997, emergency medical services - 999 or gas emergency service - 992.

Have you got any doubts concerning an anti-pollution mask or a carbon monoxide sensor? Notify the Trade Inspection Authority.

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office 
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warsaw
Phone: 695 902 088
E-mail: [SCODE]Yml1cm9wcmFzb3dlQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]

Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL