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
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- Awareness-raising aimed at personnel in 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 agenda: potential impact on health; metrology and protection; control of potential risks associated with nanomaterials; consideration of societal aspects.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/formation/maitrise-des-risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux-sensibilisation
- 16th meeting of the “nano and health” dialogue committee
- Organizer: ANSES
- Awareness-raising aimed at personnel in 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 agenda: potential impact on health; metrology and protection; control of potential risks associated with nanomaterials; consideration of societal aspects.
- Website: https://instn.cea.fr/formation/maitrise-des-risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux-sensibilisation