As.com What is graphene, what is it used for and how to know if my FFP2 mask has it

The alert went off a few days ago, when the Canadian agency Health Canada published a study warning about the health risk of masks containing graphene. "Health Canada's preliminary assessment of the available research identified that inhaled graphene particles had some potential to cause early lung toxicity in animals. However, the potential for humans to inhale graphene particles from masks and related health risks," the statement said. The masks in question were from the Metallifer brand, in blue and gray colors.

Soon the notice reached Spain, where communities like the Basque Country and Castilla y León withdrew them. To these have been added in the last hours Madrid and Andalusia. The Ertzaintza Professional Union (SiPE) requested on Wednesday the immediate withdrawal of these FFP2 masks composed in part with graphene. They had been distributed among teachers, Ertzaintza staff and hospital service workers in the Basque Country, as well as Andalusia, Madrid and various provinces of Castilla y León.

The specific models that have been withdrawn, up to now, are those of the IIR surgical mask, disposable made of graphene and biomass, from the manufacturer Shandong Shengquan, distributed by Amevisa S.A.U., and the FFP2 Healfiber, from the same manufacturer and supplied by Iturri S.A. The Basque health service made the decision out of "precaution. There is no evidence or clear scientific studies that demonstrate its danger or whether there is a risk to health." To find out if the one we use has graphene in its composition, just take a look at the packaging to see the materials (in English, graphene). These masks, like practically any other, can be purchased online.

What is graphene?

Graphene is a material that is made up of carbon atoms and is widely used in industries such as technology, due to its properties, which make it very light and resistant. Antonio Osuna, a professor at the University of Granada, affirms 20 minutes ago that it is "the best conductor of electricity and heat that exists. It can be cut but it does not break on impact."

Due to its resistance, it is common for it to be present in sensors or even bulletproof vests. The reason that has led to the stoppage of these masks, according to the expert, is that "they do not use superimposed sheets, but cutouts (nanoparticles) that can potentially be inhaled", which could lead to "inhalation of the mucous membranes". Still, however, the scientific evidence is scarce about this novel material.

Meanwhile, US nanomaterials experts explain that nanoparticles of this material "should not be used where they could potentially be inhaled without a fair amount of prior safety testing." For its part, the graphene industry for commercial use, The Graphene Council, points out that "the amount of graphene used in properly manufactured face masks is usually low, in relation to the percentage of the total materials used."

Four NGOs have even asked the European Union to withdraw these masks despite being approved by the European entity. The president of the Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, came to use one of them in a recent appearance before the media.