Recall of millions of FFP2 graphene masks
Thanks to an article in Mediapart, we learned of the recall by the French authorities of FFP2 masks containing graphene. These masks come from the Chinese manufacturer Shandong Shengquan, whose other category of masks was recalled in Canada last March, triggering a cascade of recalls thereafter. The note from Santé publique France was published on the ANSM website on May 25, without much publicity. Nearly 17 million of the 60 million masks ordered were distributed to caregivers in 2020. A risk assessment by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is reportedly underway .
As a reminder, on May 26, the Institut de recherche québécois en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) evaluated the toxicity and release of graphene nanoparticles contained in masks from the same manufacturer (but a different model), concluding that “the potential for exposure to graphene particles through inhalation is very low” but also that “in humans the risk is indeed present and may not be negligible”.
Our information sheets to go further
Other news on the topic
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- Webinar presenting the example guide produced by NanoMesureFrance, to illustrate the difficulties encountered in dimensional analysis of particles by electron and atomic force microscopy.
- Organizers: Association NanoMesureFrance
- Speakers: Valérie Godefert & François-Xavier Ouf (LNE & NanoMesureFrance)
- Website: www.eventbrite.fr/…nanomesurefrance-webinar-…
- Advanced Characterization Techniques in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
- 10th European Congress on Advanced Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials
- 14 and 15 April 2025
- Website: https://nanomaterialsconference.com
- 5th Joint Symposium on Nanotechnology
- Organizers: the Fraunhofer Nanotechnology Network, with the support of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
- Date: May 13-14, 2025
- Topics:
- the application of nanotechnology in various sectors, including digitalization, 2D/3D printing, carbon-based materials and battery materials
- nano on various regulations (REACh, food contact materials, cosmetics, bioagents, PPPs)
- adaptation and development of OECD Test Guidelines for nano and advanced materials (Malta Initiative)
- review on nano-specific NAMs (new approach methodologies)
- when you’re nano and you know it: dealing with uncertainty regarding the nanomaterial definition in regulatory frameworks
- …
- Website: www.isc.fraunhofer.de/…2025/5th-symposium-nanotechnology.html