Anses also recommends graphene-free masks
In a press release and a report published today, Anses (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) confirmed the lack of data on the nature of graphene used in some masks, on its usefulness and on its safety. These uncertainties, combined with the possible environmental end of life consequences of the masks, reinforce the calls for the precautionary principle launched in early 2021 in Canada and then in Europe. Anses concludes that “Since graphene-free masks that comply with the standards and have demonstrated their particulate filtration efficiency are also available on the market, (…) it is not relevant that masks containing graphene be placed on the market, either for the general public or for professionals.
In another opinion published the same day, Anses concluded that there were no concerns regarding the wearing of surgical masks made available to the public and under conditions respecting the authorities’ recommendations. However, Belgian authorities have found nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and silver in consumer masks. In France, the authorities have not conducted tests to look for these substances (nano or not).
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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
- 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