Several posts claiming that blue-coloured surgical masks contain carcinogenic materials have been shared widely on social media.
The posts claim that blue surgical face masks are sprayed with Teflon, which is also known as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).
While Teflon may be sprayed on some reusable masks and some mask filters, there is no risk posed by those masks that are manufactured with Teflon. The claims focus on the heating of Teflon above 300-400 degree and fumes which, while very rare, can cause flu like symptoms. The American Cancer Society clearly states that “other than the possible risk of flu-like symptoms from breathing in fumes from an overheated Teflon-coated pan, there are no proven risks to humans from using cookware coated with Teflon (or other non-stick surfaces).”
A meme that depicts a blue mask along with the false claim, has been shared widely on Twitter. The image seems to have been originally posted on a site that promotes health supplements.
A Facebook post, linked to a page representing a Kansas based chiropractor on the risks of Teflon coated masks has been shared nearly three thousand times and has been directly debunked by an online fact checking site.
In August, memes were widely shared on social media that made false claim about masks causing cancer by depriving those wearing them of oxygen. Those claims were debunked by fact checkers who state that the “American Lung Association, University of Maryland Medical System, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Health System all debunk the notion that wearing a mask lowers oxygen intake on their websites.”
