No Graphene in maxill Face Masks

maxill face masks do NOT contain graphene. On April 02 2021, Health Canada placed an advisory on the recall of face masks containing graphene⁽¹⁾.

Graphene originates in face masks that have claims of offering anti-bacterial properties. Graphene has been utilized via functionalization with various nanomaterials such as metal ion/oxide NPs, polymers, enzymes, and photocatalytic materials leading to enhanced antibactearial activity ⁽²⁾. The risk to the wearer of the Face mask is the potential to inhale the small nano particles of graphene. Graphene-based materials are used in various applications and the toxicity associated with them has diverted great attention among the researchers toward public health and environmental risks ⁽²⁾. In laboratory testing on animal subjects, graphene is associated with lung toxicity ⁽¹⁾. There are inconsistencies in the results and lack of universal acceptance criteria for the toxicity of the graphene-based materials, which requires more research prior to its release and circulation in or on human use ⁽²⁾.

If you are utilizing a variety of face masks that incudes non-maxill brands and you believe you have come into contact with a face mask with graphene, Health Canada advises the following:

1. Immediately discontinue use
2. Consult your health care provider if you have used a face mask listed as containing graphene and have health issues such as unexplained shortness of breath and/or discomfort in breathing and/or difficulty breathing.

maxill is proud to follow a high level of quality assurance in it’s procurement of materials in the manufacturing process of personal protective equipment. YOUR safety is paramount!

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References and Resources

1. Health Canada. Face masks that contain graphene may pose health risks. Accessed on April 03 2021.
   https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/75309a-eng.php
2. Kumar, P., Huo, P., Zhang, R., & Liu, B. (2019). Antibacterial Properties of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials. Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland), 9(5), 737. Accessed on April 03 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9050737
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6567318/
3. Kaizar Hossain, Mohd Rafatullah, Syed Zaghum Abbas, Akil Ahmad, Norli Ismail, Avasn Y. Maruthi, Chapter 16 - Antimicrobial activity of graphene-based nanomaterials: Current development and challenges. Editor(s): Mohammad Jawaid, Akil Ahmad, David Lokhat, In Micro and Nano Technologies, Graphene-Based Nanotechnologies for Energy and Environmental Applications, Elsevier, 2019, Pages 293-314, ISBN 9780128158111, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815811-1.00016-8.
   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128158111000168