Belgium: Government distributed masks withdrawn as a precaution

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According to a report by the Belgian health institute Sciensano, the masks distributed by the Belgian government in 2020 contained silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. On RTBF on February 23, two researchers from the Catholic University of Leuven explained why the inhalation of these nanomaterials should be avoided.

As a precautionary measure, authorities have recommended that they should no longer be distributed or worn, based on the opinion of the Conseil supérieur de la santé (CSS), which recommended “not using textiles containing titanium dioxide in the manufacture of oral masks” and “not using Avrox mask stocks”.

Upcoming Nano Agenda

1
Juil.
2025
Controlling the risks associated with nanomaterials (CEA, Online)
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  • E-learning program: awareness-raising for personnel who come into contact with nanomaterials during research, formulation, production, maintenance, cleaning, upkeep, etc., as well as safety coordinators or engineers, facility managers, heads of laboratories where nanoparticles are handled.
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  • On the program:
    • 1 – Introduction, definition and characteristics of nanomaterials
    • 2 – Toxicity of nanomaterials: the state of knowledge
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    • 5 – Quiz: assessment of learning outcomes
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2025
23rd International conference on Advanced Nanomaterials (ANM, University of Aveiro – Portugal)
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2025
Controlling the risks associated with nanomaterials (CEA, Online)
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Training
  • E-learning program: awareness-raising for personnel who come into contact with nanomaterials during research, formulation, production, maintenance, cleaning, upkeep, etc., as well as safety coordinators or engineers, facility managers, heads of laboratories where nanoparticles are handled.
  • Organizers: INSTN Grenoble (CEA)
  • On the program:
    • 1 – Introduction, definition and characteristics of nanomaterials
    • 2 – Toxicity of nanomaterials: the state of knowledge
    • 3 – Metrology and characterization of nanomaterials
    • 4 – Prevention and protection against nanomaterials in the workplace
    • 5 – Quiz: assessment of learning outcomes
  • The 2-hour course can be viewed for one month from the date of registration.
  • Website: https://instn.cea.fr/…risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux…