Sale and distribution of toxic nanographene masks on the European market

The document calls for an urgent ban on nanographene-containing face masks in the European Union, citing a Canadian health advisory that identified these masks as potentially toxic to human lung health. The authors highlight that masks from the China-based Shengquan Group, specifically the 'healfiber' brand, are available on the EU market and have been worn by high-ranking officials, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The signatories advocate for the precautionary regulation of all personal protective equipment containing nanoparticles, such as nanosilver and nanometal oxides, to protect public health.

• Health Canada issued an urgent advisory on April 2, 2021, stating that face masks containing nanographene particles are potentially toxic and may pose risks to human health, specifically lung health due to inhalation.
• The China-based Shengquan Group produces 'healfiber' brand nanographene masks, manufacturing between 2 and 5 million daily for worldwide shipment; over 30 million of these masks were distributed to workers and children in Quebec.
• Research indicates that nanographene masks, including the 'healfiber' brand, are available on the European market and have been used by EU officials, including President Ursula von der Leyen.
• There is a broader trend of adding nanoparticles, including graphene, silver, and metal oxides, to the global disposable mask market under the label of 'antiviral measures'.

APA

Center for International Environmental Law (2021). Sale and distribution of toxic nanographene masks on the European market. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Final-nanographene-sign-on-letter.pdf

Chicago

Center for International Environmental Law. Sale and distribution of toxic nanographene masks on the European market. 2021. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Final-nanographene-sign-on-letter.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Center for International Environmental Law |title=Sale and distribution of toxic nanographene masks on the European market |date=6 April 2021 |url=https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Final-nanographene-sign-on-letter.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{centerforinternationalenvironmentallaw2021sale, author = {{Center for International Environmental Law}}, title = {{Sale and distribution of toxic nanographene masks on the European market}}, publisher = {Center for International Environmental Law}, year = {2021}, month = apr, url = {https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Final-nanographene-sign-on-letter.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }