2021
“Exclusive: Chemical cocktail found in face masks”
“Top German scientists have found that wearing certain types of face masks for long periods of time could result in potentially hazardous chemicals and harmful microplastics being inhaled deep into human lungs.
Professor Michael Braungart, director at the Hamburg Environmental Institute and co-founder of the world-renowned Cradle to Cradle environmental standard has told Ecotextile News that mask wearers unwittingly run the risk of breathing in carcinogens, allergens and tiny synthetic microfibres by wearing both textile and nonwoven surgical masks for long periods of time.
His recent findings have been backed up by another leading industry textile chemist Dr. Dieter Sedlak, managing director and co-founder of Modern Testing Services Augsburg, Germany in partnership with Modern Testing Services Global, Hong Kong who found elevated concentrations of hazardous fluorocarbons, formaldehyde and other potentially carcinogenic substances on surgical face masks: “I can only say 100 per cent that I have similar concerns to Prof. Braungart.”..”
2021
“Nanoplastics and other harmful pollutants found in disposable face masks”
“Summary:
Scientists have uncovered potentially dangerous chemical pollutants that are released from disposable face masks when submerged in water. The research reveals high levels of pollutants, including lead, antimony, and copper, within the silicon-based and plastic fibres of common disposable face masks.”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210504112637.htm
2021
“’What we are breathing through our mouth and nose is actually hazardous waste’: Scientists find evidence of toxic chemicals in some face masks”
“EXCLUSIVE: Preliminary analysis found toxic chemicals in some masks
These include known allergens and carcinogens as well as controlled substances
Masks intended for use by the general public are not deemed to be PPE
Therefore, they do not have to meet the standards of masks worn by doctors
85% of all masks made worldwide come from China and concerns have been raised over substandard manufacturing and opaque supply chains..”