Adverse effects of COVID-19 protective masks: conflictive cases
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33064/iycuaa2022853372Keywords:
masks, COVID-19, nanotechnology, epidemic, regulation, risksAbstract
The article analyzes the case of masks for the protection of respiratory contagion of SARS-CoV-2, made with nanotechnology and commercialized in several countries of the world over 2020-2021. Some of these masks, that incorporate graphene, copper and silver on a nanometric scale, has been claimed by civil organizations as causing adverse effects on the organism, and some countries have chosen to withdraw them from the marketplace. The case presented is illustrative of the application of new technologies in consumer products without regulation or supervision by the responsible public bodies, and draws attention to how some of these products can be medical devices, and the need for a precautionary approach, both in research and development of commercialized products, as well as in the role of regulatory institutions. This article aims call the public attention on technological innovations to treat COVID-19 that could un trigger adverse effects.
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Copyright (c) 2022 Ericka Y. Bracamonte-Arámburo, Guillermo Foladori
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