Beware of the washable Under Armor masks. They contain polyhexanide, a harmful and potentially carcinogenic substance
Beware of the washable Under Armor masks. They contain polyhexanide, a harmful and potentially carcinogenic substance when inhaled. For this reason, the RAsff withdrew them from the European market due to chemical risk.
The notification came from Belgium (Notice number: A12 / 00538/21) but it concerns all of Europe as these washable face masks can be purchased online. According to the Rasff European safety notice, they contain polyhexanide (PHMB), a dangerous substance that can cause an allergic skin reaction. But not only. When inhaled, it causes organ damage through repeated exposure and is also suspected of causing cancer.
The product does not comply with the Biocides Regulation or the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive
explains Rasff.
In particular, the retired product is the black Sportmask mask (3 layers) with white Under Armor logo, sold together with a black case. Also available in gray and in different sizes (S / M, M / L, L / XL and XL / XXL), as we said it can be purchased via the web.
Here all the details of the withdrawn product:
- Name: Sportmask
- Type / number of model: SKU td_90.22881
- Batch number: 1368010-002
- Barcode: 1-95250-91891-2
Retired but still in circulation
Unfortunately, even if the alert dates back to April, this mask is still in circulation, sold by various sites. The alarm was raised by Altroconsumo.
On the manufacturer's website, the Sportsmask black mask is not currently available, but we have not found a reference to the problems encountered by the European authorities or indications for consumers not to use the product. Furthermore, despite the stop imposed by the European Union, the masks are still available for purchase through other online sales channels. Given the particular gravity of the situation, on 23 April we took action to have some clarifications from Under Armor. We contacted the manufacturer by email, asking to know if this problem is limited to the indicated batch only or if it also concerns other models. In addition, we asked to know what communications were given to consumers who purchased the product and if there is a replacement or refund of the amount paid. At the moment, we have not received any feedback.
While waiting to learn more, we pay attention when we buy washable masks via the web.
Sources of reference: Rasff, Altroconsumo
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