The Belgian authorities accidentally distributed medical masks that could contain toxic substances. This is reported by The Brussels Times, citing a confidential report from the Belgian Research Institute of Public Health.
In total, the government of the European country has distributed 15 million cloth masks for free. All of them were produced in Asia by the Luxembourg company Avrox. The report says they may contain microscopic particles of silver and titanium dioxide, which, if inhaled, can damage the airways.
Scientists have warned that wearing these masks can lead to the development of pneumonia, especially among those who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases. After publications in the media, the country’s health minister said that the danger of masks has not yet been proven. However, the official urged pharmacists to temporarily stop wearing and distribute previously issued masks as a precautionary measure.
Earlier it was reported that the Czech authorities issued a decree according to which residents of the republic from February 25, in crowded places, must wear two masks at once. The country’s health minister Jan Blatny explained that instead of two masks, it will be possible to wear respirators without an exhalation valve, which have the degree of protection FFP2 or KN95.