Summary 

    --  Products: Face masks manufactured by Shandong Shengquan New
        Materials Co. Ltd. labelled to contain biomass graphene.
    --  Issue: Health Canada assessed four models produced by the
        company and found no health risks of concern. As a result, sale
        of these masks can resume in Canada. No other graphene face
        masks are currently permitted for sale in Canada. If additional
        graphene masks are permitted for sale, Health Canada will
        update Canadians.
    --  What to do: Do not use face masks labelled to contain graphene
        unless they are listed in the table below. Report any health
        product
        adverse events
        or
        complaints
        to Health Canada.

Health Canada previously advised Canadians not to use face masks that contain graphene after a preliminary assessment identified some potential for inhaled graphene particles to cause early lung effects in animals (e.g., early signs of inflammation). As a precaution while a risk assessment was ongoing, Health Canada directed all known importers and distributors of these masks to remove four mask models from one manufacturer, Shandong Shengquan New Materials Co. Ltd., from the market. 

Health Canada has reviewed the available scientific literature along with data provided by Shandong Shengquan New Materials Co. Ltd., related to the biomass graphene contained within its four models. The review found that biomass graphene particles are not shed from these masks in quantities that are likely to cause adverse lung effects. 

Health Canada also determined that the filtration performance of these masks meets the performance standard listed on the label. The Department did not find evidence that biomass graphene provides any added antimicrobial, or antiviral protection. 

As a result, given the evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of these products, Health Canada is permitting the sale of the four Shandong Shengquan New Materials Co. Ltd. mask models to resume in Canada (see models listed below). 

No other graphene face masks are currently permitted for sale in Canada. Consumers should notify Health Canada by submitting an online complaint form should they become aware of other graphene masks being sold in Canada. 

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. 

Graphene masks permitted for sale 

              Manufacturer

           Model Number

                    ---

          Shandong Shengquan New Materials
           Co. Ltd.
       SMDP20605