For further information please email us at:

info@clinova.co.uk

Volcanic ash consists of small particles of volcanic rock. It is light grey to black and can be as fine as talcum powder. During a volcanic eruption, the ash can be breathed deep into the lungs and cause irritation even in healthy people

Volcanic ash can be especially harmful to people with respiratory conditions lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Exposure to particulate air pollution can trigger asthma attacks and cause wheezing, coughing, and respiratory irritation in individuals with sensitive airways.

WHO spokesman Daniel Epstein said the microscopic ash is potentially dangerous for people when it starts to reach the Earth because inhaled particles can enter the lungs and cause respiratory problems.

“We’re very concerned about it,” Epstein said. “These particles when inhaled can reach the peripheral regions of … the lungs and can cause problems — especially for people with asthma or respiratory problems.” He also said Europeans who go outside might want to consider wearing a mask.

Whilst volcanic ash is suspended in the air, it is vital that the population exposed protects themselves by wearing masks. For protection against volcanic ash, high-efficiency, light-weight disposable masks/respirators are appropriate. The mask must provide protection at the highest concentration the person will experience. Suitable disposable masks are ‘CE’ marked to show that the design has been tested to a recognised standard such as Covaflu FFP3 face mask.

For the public, use of masks is only necessary whilst the levels of suspended dust are above background levels. For those involved in clean-up operations, garden maintenance or even people who are cleaning houses and property, masks should be worn at all times whilst the ash is mobile in the atmosphere.

The following guidelines will protect your respiarory health, and should be followed especially by those at highest risk, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic lung diseases.

1 Stay indoors.

2 Do not smoke

3 Drink plenty of fluids to loosen mucus and help you cough.

4 Refrain from all outdoor exercise if particle pollution is visible.

5 If you take medications, put them in a convenient place. It is important to continue taking your medicines. Medications you need for an acute episode should be readily available.

6 Assume that your lung condition may deteriorate and contact your physician as soon as any problem develops. Do not allow a respiratory condition to linger, especially if there is a high concentration of ash particles.

7 Utilize air quality monitoring systems to determine the safety of the air quality in your area each day.

8 A mask with such Covaflu FFP3 rating is ideal for volcanic ash protection.

While these suggestions are intended especially for persons suffering from respiratory conditions (asthma, emphysema, bronchitis), they are also useful for normally healthy people during episodes of volcanic haze.

You can purchase these now online at

For more information contact info@clinova.co.uk

1^st of March at 1410 New Hall, British Embassy, Tokyo

4^th of March at the Ball Room, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Osaka

Arsalan is still in the region and interested companies in Japan are advised to make contact with Clinova.

For further information, please email, Info@clinova.co.uk

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Southampton, UK: – People who want to take extra precautions against swine flu should look for masks with built-in filters, according to Dr Robin J Harman, a pharmaceutical and regulatory expert,  “There has been much debate about the benefits of wearing a mask to prevent infection with swine flu.  Ordinary surgical masks provide some protection from airborne particles, but the UK Department of Health has stated that `basic face masks don’t protect people from becoming infected’.1 However, masks with built-n particle filters that are CE marked and meet the European Standard class FFP3 have efficiency of 99% or more.”   A filtering face piece (FFP3) device is a mask that provides a high level of filtering capability and face fit, and generates an effective barrier to both droplets and fine aerosols.

Swine flu virus is spread when miniscule droplets emitted by coughing and sneezing or deposited on hands and surfaces reach the nose or mouth.  If you block the particles from being inhaled, for example, with a mask with a built-in particle filter, you can help reduce your risks of becoming infected.

A scientific study has shown that 20-85% of virus particles can penetrate two ordinary types of surgical mask, and potentially expose the wearer to infection2.  But masks with FFP3 respirators, such as the Covaflu FFP3 face mask, will block more than 99% of airborne virus droplets that are 0.3 microns in size – the majority of swine flu-infected droplets will be larger than this.

UK manufacturer, Clinova, has seen a surge in demand in the past week for Covaflu FFP3 masks, which meet World Health Organisation and the UK Health and Safety Executive standards for use in influenza pandemics.  “Our Covaflu masks meet the highest criteria for preventing harmful particles entering the system, which could result in infection.  We have increased production significantly to meet demand and set up a special order form on our website, so that people who want to take extra measures to protect themselves in a pandemic will have access to the best possible protective masks,” said Jim Tremouliaris, Director of Clinova Ltd.

Covaflu FFP3 masks are available at all good pharmacies. They can be ordered online at www.clinova.co.uk or by telephoning 08452590175.

Notes to Editors:

The Health Protection Agency has advised that there are some circumstances where wearing a facemask may be beneficial:

• reducing the risk of passing on infection – people with flu wearing a facemask when they are in contact with other people; or
• reducing the risk of getting an infection; healthy people wearing a facemask when they are caring for a patient with flu.

The wearing of facemasks by healthy individuals who are not involved in caring for people who are ill (i.e. the general public) is not recommended by the HPA.  However, it is recognised that some people may choose to do so.

A filtering face piece (FFP3) device is a mask which is certified to the PPE Directive. It provides a high level of filtering capability and face fit. It can be supplied with an exhale valve so that it can be worn comfortably over a fairly long period of time. It will provide an effective barrier to both droplets and fine aerosols and is the type recommended particularly for people in the healthcare sector dealing with symptomatic patients undergoing treatment where aerosols are likely to be generated.  For instructions on appropriate fit and usage, please read the manufacturers enclosed information leaflet, supplied with the purchase of every mask.

Although wearing FFP3 respiratory face masks provides protection from airborne contamination, it does not guarantee full immunity against swine flu. The Department of Health advises that in the case of a flu pandemic, a combination of an FFP3 face mask, eye goggles and gloves should be used. In addition, unnecessary travel should be minimized or avoided, unless absolutely essential, and people should be wearing all the essential Personal Protection.
Clinova Ltd is a pharmaceutical group focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of pharmaceutical products and diagnostic devices. Clinova has its global headquarters in Southampton.

References

• Department of Health leaflet, 30 April 2009, Important information about swine fever.
• Balazy A, Toivola M, Adhikari A. Am J Infect Control 2006:34, 51 – 57.