Department of Health(DOH)

Dear Mr Cuartero, Please be informed that we have endorsed your request to the DOH Public Health Services Team for action. Kindly await for their response, thank you.

January 23, 2023 Dear Ryan Cuartero, I refer to my letter of Nov 13, 2022 11:11:42 PM about your request under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch, for Surgical masks and microplastics. In order for us to work further on your request, we need more information from you regarding your query. We apologize for the delay of response to this eFOI Request. May we know if you still need the information? Kindly email us at [email protected] You may use the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHQsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEERPSC03NTUzOTI2NDI5NzMM, for request with ticket number #DOH-755392642973, to respond. During the period of us awaiting your reply, your request will be put on hold. If we do not receive a reply on or before Apr 17, 2023 06:05:23 AM, your request will be closed. We hope to hear from you at the soonest possible time. Thank you. Respectfully, FOI Decision Maker FOI Officer

January 27, 2023 Dear Ryan Cuartero, Greetings! Thank you for your request dated Nov 13, 2022 11:11:42 PM under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch. Your Request You asked for Surgical masks and microplastics. 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. Nevertheless, the use of masks is vital, especially in pandemics and health emergencies, even though they might contribute to microplastics inhalation. The value of protection offered by mask wearing takes more precedence. 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. Kindly accomplish the FOI Request Feedback form at the link: https://bit.ly/DOHFOIFeedbackForm 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