Why is protection against nanoparticles so important?
One of the main features of some BLS products is nanofiltration, which refers to the filtering facepiece’s ability to filter nanoparticles.
Nanoparticles are particles with a diameter generally ranging from 1 to 100 nm (0.001 μm to 0.1 μm).
Recent studies have shown that some nanoparticles can penetrate cells and tissues, travel through the body and brain, and cause biochemical damage. In particular, the extremely small size of nanopowders gives them behaviour that can be described as intermediate between that of gases and that of other suspended particles. Adequate protection is therefore essential.
For reference, the EN 149 standard requires filtering facepieces to be tested using particles with an average size of 0.4 μm. Nanofiltration therefore refers to significantly more demanding performance requirements than those established by the standard.
Let’s take a closer look at nanoparticles
First of all, it should be noted that nanoparticles used in nanotechnology have beneficial applications, as they are handled under strictly controlled conditions.
Particles dispersed into the environment and released in an uncontrolled manner are very different in nature and potential hazard. Examples include particles generated by urban pollution or combustion processes.
Nanoparticles may be present in many industrial processes, including welding, grinding, sanding, metal cutting, injection and moulding processes, roadworks, sieving and sandblasting.
Essentially, wherever particles are generated, nanoparticles may also be produced, as demonstrated by several studies on the subject.
In 2021 and 2022, BLS promoted the EPI4Nano Project, developed by the ITENE research institute in Valencia to validate specific products designed to provide effective respiratory protection against nanoparticles.
BLS Zer0 range of filtering facepieces was tested for filtration efficiency against copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles. The tests confirmed that these products can filter more than 99% of these nanoparticles.
The same filtration performance—over 99% of these nanoparticles—is provided not only by our BLS Zer0 and BLS Zer0 Flat filtering facepiece ranges, but also by the BLS 8000next half mask with integrated filters, the b-lock series particle filters with bayonet connection, and the DIN series filters with universal connection.
Specifically:
Perché BLS utilizza il TPE? TPE è il nome utilizzato per definire un Elastomero Termoplastico, detto anche gomma termoplastica. Di cosa si tratta? Gli elastomeri termoplastici sono una classe di materiali polimerici che hanno il comportamento elastico della gomma e la lavorabilità dei materiali termoplastici. Le gomme hanno rivestito un'importanza strategica sin dall'inizio dell'industria […]
he calendar with our webinars dealing with safety in the workplace is as follows:Friday 27th of November, 11.45-12.45 Filtering facemasks: EN 149:2001+A1:2009 standard and related products with areas of use After a short presentation on BLS, an Italian company specialized in the production respiratory protection devices for 50 years, we will look in depth at the EN 149 standard concerning filtering facemasks and their areas of use, introducing BLS’ mono-use devices. Speakers: Simone Maffioletti (Area Manager Italy), Emanuele De Capitani (Sales Promoter Italy)The webinars are available at: https://www.facebook.com/EpcEditore/videos/673572403319745Thursday 3th of December, 11.45-12.45 Gases, vapours and particulates: how to read a safety data sheet and find the right protection Starting from protection categories, we will analyze how to best read product safety data sheets, presenting BLS’ range of reusable devices. Speakers: Simone Maffioletti (Area Manager Italy), Emanuele De Capitani (Sales Promoter Italy)The webinars are available at: https://www.facebook.com/EpcEditore/videos/479769576343491
BLS è a MMH – Mining and Minerals Hall 2026 Siviglia (Spagna), 20-22 ottobre 2026 Dal 20 al 22 ottobre 2026, BLS sarà a Siviglia per partecipare a MMH – Mining and Minerals Hall 2026, uno dei principali appuntamenti europei dedicati al settore minerario. MMH è un evento internazionale che riunisce aziende, professionisti, istituzioni ed […]
