tturner just posted this on another board:
https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/recalled-masks-were-worn-by-thousands-of-quebec-kids-feds-say-import-rule-wasn-t-followed-1.5388068
“Health Canada is still performing a scientific assessment to look at, for example, better characterizing particle sizes, manufacturing process [and] potential for particle release,” said a statement from the agency. It’s also looking at how effective they are as a filter.
Which in a nutshell is what I said earlier.
This is not a quick fix, this is a time thing. HC will take its time.
The most important part of this article is this section:
WORRYING STUDIES, FEW DETAILSGraphene oxide, which coats the masks, is made up of a single layer of tiny carbon nanoparticles packed closely together, supposedly acting as a filter.
However, nanoparticles can pose serious risks to the lungs if inhaled, especially if the particles are small enough and breathed in over a long period, an expert told CTV News.
While nanotechnology is new, this can also happen in nature when, for example, people breathe in nanoparticles from wildfires, Dr. Richard Nho said.
Young children’s lungs, as well as seniors’, are especially vulnerable, he said, while young and middle-aged adults’ bodies can generally do a good job clearing out inhaled particles. It’s unclear how teenagers fit in.
A 2013 study on mice found early signs that inhaled nanoform graphene can lead to lung disease, including chronic pulmonary fibrosis, and warned there may be a long-term risk of cancer and “mutations” if the particles settle deep in the lung tissue.
Health Canada said its preliminary research shows that “inhaled graphene particles had some potential to cause early lung toxicity in animals.”
However, there isn’t nearly enough information to conclude these particular masks will be dangerous in the long term to kids who wore them.
Health Canada said in a statement Tuesday that “the health risk to people of any age is not clear.” |
