Department of Health(DOH)

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!

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: [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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