Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) Nanoparticles in Face Masks?
The use of face masks has proven to be an effective preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns have emerged regarding the safety of metal (nano)particles incorporated into face masks for antimicrobial purposes. Specifically, this review examines the risks associated with TiO&...
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Toxics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/4/244 |
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| author | Stijn Everaert Lode Godderis Jean-Marie Raquez Greet Schoeters Pieter Spanoghe Jonas Moens Luc Hens Olivier Michel Dirk Adang Norbert Fraeyman |
| author_facet | Stijn Everaert Lode Godderis Jean-Marie Raquez Greet Schoeters Pieter Spanoghe Jonas Moens Luc Hens Olivier Michel Dirk Adang Norbert Fraeyman |
| author_sort | Stijn Everaert |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The use of face masks has proven to be an effective preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns have emerged regarding the safety of metal (nano)particles incorporated into face masks for antimicrobial purposes. Specifically, this review examines the risks associated with TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles (NPs), which are classified as a possible human carcinogen. The inhalation of TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs can cause multiple adverse effects, including oxidative stress, pulmonary inflammation, histopathological changes, and (secondary) genotoxicity. Different aspects are discussed, such as the composition and filtration efficiency of face masks, the antimicrobial mode of action and effectiveness of various metals, and the hazards of TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs to human health, including exposure limits. A conservative risk assessment was conducted using different worst-case scenarios of potential (sub)chronic TiO<sub>2</sub> exposure, derived from published leaching experiments. Most face masks are considered safe, especially for occasional or single use. However, the nanosafety of a minority of face masks on the European market may be inadequate for prolonged and intensive use. Important uncertainties remain, including the risks of combined exposure to TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs and silver biocides, and the lack of direct exposure measurements. Considering the potential safety issues and the limited added protective value of TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs, it is recommended to ban all applications of TiO<sub>2</sub> in face masks based on the precautionary principle. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e2fcc9669fa34e36b00a0f4e32cfdcb7 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2305-6304 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Toxics |
| spelling | doaj-art-e2fcc9669fa34e36b00a0f4e32cfdcb72025-08-20T02:25:04ZengMDPI AGToxics2305-63042025-03-0113424410.3390/toxics13040244Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) Nanoparticles in Face Masks?Stijn Everaert0Lode Godderis1Jean-Marie Raquez2Greet Schoeters3Pieter Spanoghe4Jonas Moens5Luc Hens6Olivier Michel7Dirk Adang8Norbert Fraeyman9Chemical Environmental Factors Group, Superior Health Council, 1210 Brussels, BelgiumCenter for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, BelgiumPolymer and Composite Materials Department, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, BelgiumDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, BelgiumDepartment of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumBelgian Poison Centre, 1120 Brussels, BelgiumVlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek, 2400 Mol, BelgiumFaculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, BelgiumFaculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, BelgiumEnvironmental Department, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumThe use of face masks has proven to be an effective preventive measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns have emerged regarding the safety of metal (nano)particles incorporated into face masks for antimicrobial purposes. Specifically, this review examines the risks associated with TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles (NPs), which are classified as a possible human carcinogen. The inhalation of TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs can cause multiple adverse effects, including oxidative stress, pulmonary inflammation, histopathological changes, and (secondary) genotoxicity. Different aspects are discussed, such as the composition and filtration efficiency of face masks, the antimicrobial mode of action and effectiveness of various metals, and the hazards of TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs to human health, including exposure limits. A conservative risk assessment was conducted using different worst-case scenarios of potential (sub)chronic TiO<sub>2</sub> exposure, derived from published leaching experiments. Most face masks are considered safe, especially for occasional or single use. However, the nanosafety of a minority of face masks on the European market may be inadequate for prolonged and intensive use. Important uncertainties remain, including the risks of combined exposure to TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs and silver biocides, and the lack of direct exposure measurements. Considering the potential safety issues and the limited added protective value of TiO<sub>2</sub> NPs, it is recommended to ban all applications of TiO<sub>2</sub> in face masks based on the precautionary principle.https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/4/244inhalation exposureTiO<sub>2</sub>nanoparticleshuman healthface masks |
| spellingShingle | Stijn Everaert Lode Godderis Jean-Marie Raquez Greet Schoeters Pieter Spanoghe Jonas Moens Luc Hens Olivier Michel Dirk Adang Norbert Fraeyman Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) Nanoparticles in Face Masks? Toxics inhalation exposure TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles human health face masks |
| title | Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) Nanoparticles in Face Masks? |
| title_full | Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) Nanoparticles in Face Masks? |
| title_fullStr | Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) Nanoparticles in Face Masks? |
| title_full_unstemmed | Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) Nanoparticles in Face Masks? |
| title_short | Do We Need Titanium Dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) Nanoparticles in Face Masks? |
| title_sort | do we need titanium dioxide tio sub 2 sub nanoparticles in face masks |
| topic | inhalation exposure TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles human health face masks |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/13/4/244 |
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