KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- NanoMalaysia Berhad, an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) entrusted with the commercialisation and industrialisation of nanotechnology activities in the country yesterday clarified the recent controversy on the usage of face masks containing graphene. Graphene is a nanomaterial widely used in nanotechnology applications.

The Canadian government recently made a specific prohibition on a particular mask claimed to contain graphene model, #SNN200642 produced by the Shengquan or SQ Group due to concerns of potential health risks.

In light of this, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has called for a ban on face masks and protective equipment containing graphene.

NanoMalaysia Berhad’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad in a statement said:“We share the concerns of the Canadian and Malaysian authorities and would like to reassure the public that Malaysia currently does not develop nor produce face masks containing graphene.

However, we would like to state that further investigation into the SQ Group is required to ascertain if the manufacturing and production processes were in compliance with other international and local regulatory standards and whether graphene as defined by international standards are truly being used in the said mask. The face mask issue in this instance is related directly to product or manufacturing non-compliance to Section 10 to 20 under Canada’s Medical Devices Regulations rather than technology.”

Graphene is a carbon-based nanomaterial that has been widely applied in different industries such as the manufacturing of electronic circuits, batteries, lubricants, composites and tyres for its economic value- add effects. In these industries, graphene is completely safe to be used as it does not come into direct contact with the human’s respiratory system. Therefore, a blanket ban on graphene would eliminate the potential it holds to elevate industries.

Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad added that while the ban and risks are specifically associated with the products of the SQ Group, any future imports on face masks containing graphene should involve stringent review and testing by the relevant authorities such as SIRIM QAS, Malaysia Medical Device Authority (MDA) and National Medical Research Register (NMRR) to ensure such masks meet regulatory standards and are safe to be used. Importantly, the presence of graphene in products can be authenticated by the NanoVerify Certification Programme as the first check-gate prior to funneling into relevant safety-related testing protocols.

About NanoMalaysia Berhad

NanoMalaysia Berhad was incorporated in 2011 as a company limited by guarantee (CLBG) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to act as a business entity entrusted with nanotechnology commercialisation and industrialisation activities through a venture builder model. Nanotechnology continues to provide efficient and enhanced solutions to various applications in smart living, smart manufacturing, agriculture, electronic devices, and energy and environment. NanoMalaysia believes that the “Internet of Nano-Things” or IoNT, will be the core driver of the 4th Industrial Revolution, catalysing revolutionary changes in the industry, business and society.

 
SOURCE: NanoMalaysia Berhad

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--BERNAMA