Levels of titanium dioxide that “systematically exceeded the acceptable exposure level” have been found in common face masks used for COVID-19, a study in Scientific Reports in leading journal Nature has found. Here’s the abstract.
Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a suspected human carcinogen when inhaled, fibre-grade TiO2 (nano)particles were demonstrated in synthetic textile fibres of face masks intended for the general public. STEM-EDX analysis on sections of a variety of single use and reusable face masks visualised agglomerated near-spherical TiO2 particles in non-woven fabrics, polyester, polyamide and bi-component fibers. Median sizes of constituent particles ranged from 89 to 184 nm, implying an important fraction of nano-sized particles (< 100 nm). The total TiO2 mass determined by ICP-OES ranged from 791 to 152,345 µg per mask. The estimated TiO2 mass at the fibre surface ranged from 17 to 4394 µg, and systematically exceeded the acceptable exposure level to TiO2 by inhalation (3.6 µg), determined based on a scenario where face masks are worn intensively. No assumptions were made about the likelihood of the release of TiO2 particles itself, since direct measurement of release and inhalation uptake when face masks are worn could not be assessed. The importance of wearing face masks against COVID-19 is unquestionable. Even so, these results urge for in depth research of (nano)technology applications in textiles to avoid possible future consequences caused by a poorly regulated use and to implement regulatory standards phasing out or limiting the amount of TiO2 particles, following the safe-by-design principle.
This is concordant with an earlier study in Water Research, which found lead, cadmium, antimony and various plastic and organic substances in face masks, and stated: “The toxicity of some of the chemicals found and the postulated risks of the rest of the present particles and molecules, raises the question of whether [disposable face masks] are safe to be used on a daily basis and what consequences are to be expected after their disposal into the environment.”
Sad to see the Nature article containing the obligatory genuflecting to face mask orthodoxy, ludicrously describing the importance of wearing masks against COVID-19 as “unquestionable”, despite there being no robust evidence they have any significant impact on transmission.
Nonetheless, worth reading in full.
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