Everaert Stijn, Godderis Lode, Raquez Jean-Marie, Schoeters Greet, Spanoghe Pieter, Moens Jonas, Hens Luc, Michel Olivier, Adang Dirk, Fraeyman Norbert
Chemical Environmental Factors Group, Superior Health Council, 1210 Brussels, Belgium.
Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Toxics. 2025 Mar 25;13(4):244. doi: 10.3390/toxics13040244.
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 nanoparticles (NPs), which are classified as a possible human carcinogen. The inhalation of TiO 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 NPs to human health, including exposure limits. A conservative risk assessment was conducted using different worst-case scenarios of potential (sub)chronic TiO 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 NPs and silver biocides, and the lack of direct exposure measurements. Considering the potential safety issues and the limited added protective value of TiO NPs, it is recommended to ban all applications of TiO in face masks based on the precautionary principle.
在新冠疫情期间，使用口罩已被证明是一种有效的预防措施。然而，人们对用于抗菌目的的含金属（纳米）颗粒口罩的安全性产生了担忧。具体而言，本综述研究了与二氧化钛纳米颗粒（TiO NPs）相关的风险，二氧化钛纳米颗粒被归类为可能的人类致癌物。吸入TiO NPs会导致多种不良反应，包括氧化应激、肺部炎症、组织病理学变化和（继发性）遗传毒性。本文讨论了不同方面的内容，如口罩的组成和过滤效率、各种金属的抗菌作用模式和有效性，以及TiO NPs对人类健康的危害，包括暴露限值。利用已发表的浸出实验得出的潜在（亚）慢性TiO暴露的不同最坏情况场景进行了保守的风险评估。大多数口罩被认为是安全的，尤其是偶尔或单次使用时。然而，欧洲市场上少数口罩的纳米安全性可能不足以满足长期和频繁使用的需求。重要的不确定性仍然存在，包括同时暴露于TiO NPs和银杀菌剂的风险，以及缺乏直接暴露测量数据。考虑到潜在的安全问题以及TiO NPs有限的附加保护价值，建议根据预防原则禁止TiO在口罩中的所有应用。
