The Belgian National Institute of Health (Sciensano) announced the results of the study earlier and found that mask samples contained potentially carcinogenic titanium dioxide (Titanium Dioxide).
The European Commission emphasized that there is currently no solid evidence showing that synthetic masks pose a risk of cancer, and urged the public to continue to wear masks.
But what can be called titanium dioxide?
Some chemical engineers said that titanium dioxide can "whiten" fibers, so it is very common in daily life, such as toilet paper, paper, etc. If there is titanium dioxide in a mask, it is estimated to mean the white back of the mask.
Although the masks are close to the nose and mouth, he believes that the public need not panic too much. He believes that masks do not use much titanium dioxide. He also estimates that masks are damaged before they can be inhaled. Many masks are disposable and the public may not use them for a long time. Just change the mask frequently.
Affected by the new crown pneumonia, masks have become a must for the public.
(Photo by Liao Yanxiong)
Including reusable masks or surgical masks
The Belgian National Institute of Health said last month that after testing, it was found that samples of masks made of synthetic materials contained titanium dioxide. Therefore, it is recommended that more research is needed. Until final evidence is available, the use of titanium dioxide in masks should be restricted.
One of the authors of the study told Reuters that they found titanium dioxide particles in most commonly used masks, including reusable or single-use textile masks and surgical masks.
However, the Belgian Superior Health Council spokesperson also pointed out that the potential health risks do not exceed the benefits of masks to prevent infection with new coronary pneumonia.
The European Commission also said that there is currently no conclusive evidence that synthetic masks pose a risk of cancer.
At the beginning of the outbreak of the new crown pneumonia last year, there was a shortage of masks in Hong Kong, and some people even queued up overnight for masks.
(Information Picture/Photographed by Li Zetong)
Titanium dioxide is commonly found in white objects
Chemical engineer Li Haoji said that titanium dioxide is very common, such as white paint, chewing gum, toilet paper, paper, sunscreen, etc., will add titanium dioxide, "almost all you see white, there is titanium dioxide." He said, if The presence of titanium dioxide in the mask should mean that the white back of the mask changes the fiber from other colors to white.
Believe that the weight is not too much, it is recommended to change the mask frequently
Li Haoji said that because the mask is close to the nose and mouth, if the fiber of the mask is damaged, when the titanium dioxide falls off, it may be inhaled into the lungs when breathing.
However, he believes that the public need not panic too much. Because they believe that masks do not use much titanium dioxide, the amount of inhalation is not large. In addition, many masks are disposable and citizens may not use them for a long time unless the fiber of the mask is damaged, such as for a long time. Only by rubbing the "fluffing particles" will there be a chance to shed more titanium dioxide. I believe it is enough to change the mask frequently.
He also emphasized that the current carcinogens are divided into two categories, including confirmed carcinogens or possible carcinogens. The former includes cigarettes and formaldehyde, but titanium dioxide is only a possible carcinogen, so it still needs to be proved.
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Masks mainly block droplets and do not necessarily need to use titanium dioxide
Li said that in addition to making masks whiter and more beautiful, titanium dioxide is also used in photocatalyst masks that have been claimed to be sterile in recent years.
However, he believes that the main purpose of masks is to block droplets, rather than aesthetics or sterilization, and questioned whether titanium dioxide is needed.
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