The majority of face masks on sale to protect against the spread of coronavirus do not comply with regulations, Ireland’s official standards body is warning. “That is really challenging in terms of consumer protection.”Ms O’Ferrall said some people are buying designer or sporting-brand face masks that they have seen worn by celebrities or high-profile figures yet “they don’t comply with any specifications”. The SWiFT 19 standard compels manufacturers to state such detail. However, she pointed to international public health advice that “any face mask is better than no face mask”. Amid an “alarming” rise in the transmission of Covid-19 across Europe, the NSAI is urging shoppers to make sure their face masks for day-to-day use are meeting either the Irish or European specifications.

Source: The Irish Times October 31, 2020 01:18 UTC