Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said studies have shown that graphene, usually a grey inner layer or lining in face coverings, had the potential to cause early lung toxicity in animals.

Nanoparticles of graphene are used in face masks to kill germs, but flakes can be sloughed off and inhaled into the lungs, he added.

“Graphene is touted to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, but users of such face masks have complained of breathing difficulty, skin irritation and the feeling of ‘breathing in cat hair’.

“In spite of the potential health risks, millions of face masks containing nanographene are being sold around the world,” he said in a statement today.

Mohideen said Canada had already banned all PPEs and masks with graphene, while environmental groups have urged European countries to do the same.

He said the government should set standards for face masks sold in the country and ban the sale of face masks that contain nanoparticles of graphene or other material deemed risky.