'Mask Guard' Reduced Protective Effect... Harmful Substances Detected in Some Ear Protectors

Korea Consumer Agency, Safety Investigation Results of 30 Products

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] It has been confirmed that some mask guards, used to prevent the inside surface of masks from directly touching the skin, reduce the performance of health masks.

On the 28th, the Korea Consumer Agency, in collaboration with Congressman Yoo Ui-dong of the People Power Party, announced the results of a safety investigation on 30 mask accessories, including mask guards, ear protectors, and mask straps, distributed online.

After wearing 10 mask guard products over the inside of KF94 masks, the degree of external air leakage through gaps between the face and mask (facial leakage rate) was examined. Results showed that 8 products reduced the blocking effect against harmful substances such as viruses and fine dust. Among these, 6 products had facial leakage rates below the health mask standard specification (11.0% or less), and 2 products had large gaps around the chin and nose areas, making the test itself impossible.

One mask ear protector product’s metal button contained nickel exceeding the household textile product safety standard (0.5㎍/㎠/week) by 2.9 times, and another product’s synthetic leather strap contained phthalate plasticizers exceeding the synthetic resin product safety standard by 12.83%. Nickel can cause allergic reactions such as swelling, rash, and itching upon skin contact. Phthalate plasticizers are endocrine-disrupting substances that can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. The manufacturers of the products in which harmful substances were detected have decided to stop sales and offer exchanges or refunds upon consumer request.

The Consumer Agency pointed out that mask accessories are products that come into prolonged contact with the human body but are subject to different management standards depending on the material, placing them in a safety blind spot, and emphasized the urgent need to establish safety standards.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.