Requested from DOH by R. Cuartero at 02:31 AM on
Sep 30, 2023.
Purpose: Data Management
Date of Coverage: 01/01/1999 - 01/01/2023
Tracking no: #DOH-845806348596
Cuartero 02:31 AM, Sep 30, 2023
Wearing facemasks against Nipah virus and its downsides:
1. Can DOH guarantee me that wearing face masks does not contribute to inhalation of microplastic shedding?
2. Provide me documents, studies, RCTs (Randomized Clinical Trials) to prove that wearing face masks does not contribute to inhalation of microplastic shedding. Do not give or cite me unverifiable anecdotes.
Receiving Officer 07:07 AM, Oct 02, 2023
October 2, 2023
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for your request dated Sep 30, 2023 under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch, for Nipah virus and microplastics in face masks.
We received your request on Sep 30, 2023 and will respond on or before Oct 21, 2023 02:31:08 AM, in accordance with the Executive Order's implementing rules and regulations.
Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact me using the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHQsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEERPSC04NDU4MDYzNDg1OTYM, for request with ticket number #DOH-845806348596.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
FOI Receiving Officer
FOI Officer
Maker 02:15 PM, Oct 02, 2023
Dear Ryan,
Please be informed that we are endorsing your request to the DOH Public Health Services Team (PHST) for action. Kindly await for their response, thank you.
All the best and God bless!
Maker 05:01 PM, Oct 18, 2023
October 18, 2023
Dear Ryan Cuartero,
Greetings!
Thank you for your request dated Sep 30, 2023 02:31:08 AM under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch.
Your Request
You asked for Nipah virus and microplastics in face masks.
Response to Request
Your FOI request is approved.
Limited studies present show that the inhalation risk posed by spherical and fiber like microplastics is high regardless of with or without wearing a mask. In one study, after conducting a breathing simulation test, various types of masks were evaluated regarding the level of microplastic inhalation risk after using the masks for 2-72 hours, mask reuse and after subjecting the masks to disinfection processes. It was found that risk for microplastic inhalation, particularly the spherical-type microplastic, decreased with mask use as compared to not wearing a mask. In addition, N95 masks exhibited good performance in reducing spherical and fiber like microplastic inhalation compared with the other masks and no mask even after undergoing different disinfection treatments.
Thus, the use of masks is vital, especially in pandemics and health emergencies, with its use proven to lessen microplastic inhalation versus not wearing one. The value of protection offered by mask wearing takes more precedence.
For further queries and concerns, contact the DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau at email address: dpcb@doh.gov.ph
Thank you
Your right to request a review
If you are unhappy with this response to your FOI request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response by writing to the Central Appeals and Review Committee, at foi@doh.gov.ph. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made within 15 calendar days from the date when you received this letter. We will complete the review and tell you the result within 30 calendar days from the date when we receive your review request.
If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Office of the President under Administrative Order No. 22 (s. 2011).
Thank you.
Respectfully,
FOI Decision Maker
FOI Receiving Officer
Is this request offensive?
Requests for personal information and vexatious requests are not considered valid requests for Official Information.
If you believe this request is not suitable, you can report it for attention by the site administrators.
