Belgium: Government distributed masks withdrawn as a precaution

.
.
.

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

27
Jan.
2026
Nanotechnologies and agriculture: a reference framework for responsible practice (AFNOR, online)
On line
Webinar
agriculture
pesticides
standardization
  • Webconference for analysis laboratories, plant fertilizer manufacturers and distributors, public authorities…
  • Moderated by David Krupka, nanotechnologies development manager at AFNOR Normalisation and Emilie Langlois-Bertrand, nantechnologies standardization project manager.
  • In partnership with Armand Masion, CNRS Research Director, and Sandrine Mocoeur, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager at SYNGENTA.
  • This exchange will also be an opportunity to explore the creation of a national platform to identify standardization needs.
  • Website: www.afnor.org/evenement/nanotechnologies-agriculture-cadre-pratique-responsable/

2
Juin
2026
Emerging pathologies and risks (CNMST 2026, Lyon – France)
Lyon
Congress
health
health
occupational health
prevention
risks
  • 8th Congress of Occupational Medicine and Health (CNMST 2026)
  • Theme 5: Emerging pathologies and risks, Mr Henri Bastos (ANSES), Pr Lynda Bensefa-Colas (AP-HP), Dr Catherine Nisse (CHU Lille)
  • Website: www.medecine-sante-travail.com
26
Juin
2026
Nanomaterials and Health (ANSES, Maisons-Alfort)
Maisons-Alfort
Dialogue Committee