After recalling graphene-coated masks out of safety concerns, Health Canada says some models can come back on the market
Health Canada is redacting their advice not to use a certain brand of graphene-containing face masks, citing reviewed evidence backing the masks' safety, it was announced Tuesday.
Four models of masks from the manufacturer Shandong Shengquan New Materials Co. Ltd. (SSNM) — as well as numerous models from other manufacturers — were recalled in late March because of their graphene oxide-coating. It was thought at the time that masks containing graphene, a substance linked to lung disease, may be harmful to the wearer.
Now, Health Canada has asserted that “biomass graphene particles are not shed from [SSNM] masks in quantities that are likely to cause adverse lung effects,” according to a press release.
Health Canada is permitting SSNM masks containing graphene to be sold in Canada again, but the same is not true for graphene-containing masks produced by any other manufacturer.
“Companies wishing to sell graphene masks must first provide evidence to Health Canada demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of their models, as the risks with using graphene masks may vary depending on mask design,” the press release states.
Health Canada said they decided to allow graphene-containing SSNM masks back on the market after reviewing the current research on the subject, as well as data provided by SSNM related to the amount of graphene contained within its masks.
Before graphene-containing masks were recalled last spring, millions of them were distributed by the province to schools, where they were required to wear them for months. The masks were also handed out to transit workers by the Société de Transport de Montréal (SPVM).
Health Canada wasn’t even aware that the masks had been imported into Canada until a Montreal mother emailed them out of concern for the health of her son and his schoolmates.
The masks entered the country under Health Canada’s nose because of a "misstep on the supply chain" and an emergency order to facilitate the importation of COVID-related goods, CTV uncovered in April.
At the time, one Quebec kindergarten teacher told CTV she was experiencing increased fatigue and headaches, stating that wearing the mask felt like “breathing in cat hair” — although currently there is no scientific evidence linking these symptoms to the use of graphene-coated masks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.