Health Canada issues advisory for face masks containing graphene

A discarded face mask is shown on a street next to a mobile COVID-19 testing clinic in Montreal, Sunday, May 17, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Canada and around the world. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

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TORONTO -- Health Canada has issued an advisory and asked distributors to recall masks sold with graphene or biographene in them over potential inhalation risks.

Graphene is comprised of a single layer of carbon atoms and is considered a nanomaterial, meaning it is made of tiny particles, and is reported to have “antiviral and antibacterial properties,” the advisory says.

Health Canada said it conducted a preliminary scientific assessment after becoming aware that masks containing graphene were being sold with COVID-19 health claims and used by adults and children in schools and daycares. Health Canada also believes they may have been distributed for use in health care settings.

 

The products affected are listed as “face masks labelled as containing graphene or biomass graphene,” the advisory states. Health Canada recommends that Canadians not use masks with the substance and to consult their health-care provider if they have used graphene face masks and have health concerns - such as new or unexplained shortness of breath, discomfort or difficulty breathing.

The organization said that their preliminary assessment of available research found that inhaled graphene particles had some potential to cause “early lung toxicity” in animals, but that the potential for people to inhale graphene particles – and the related health risks – are not yet known, and may vary with based on mask design.

The health risk to people of any age is not clear, the advisory says, as there are many variables such as duration of exposure and the type of graphene used. Health Canada has requested data from mask manufacturers to further investigate the potential health risks.

Until the organization has completed a thorough scientific assessment and has “established the safety and effectiveness of graphene-containing face masks,” the advisory states they are taking the precaution of removing them from the market.

Health Canada has directed all known distributors, importers and manufacturers to stop selling masks containing graphene and to recall affected products, and has written to all provinces and territories advising them to stop the distribution and use of said masks.

Health Canada has requested that any health product adverse events or complaints regarding graphene face masks be reported to the organization.