On the Use of Chemicals to Clean Face Masks and Other PPEs

(English Translation)

Official Statement of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) on the Use of Chemicals to Clean Face Masks and Other PPEs

The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) wishes to advise the public to follow the manufacturer’s specification on the proper use and care of face masks. For washable cloth face masks, use detergent or soap and water.

The ICP does not recommend the use of gasoline or diesel to clean face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE).

All grades of gasoline are considered hazardous with immediate (acute) and long-term (chronic) effects to health. Gasoline contains compounds, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which are toxic and/or carcinogenic.

Gasoline is also a skin and eye irritant, may affect the central nervous system, and may be harmful or fatal if swallowed.

(Pagsasalin sa Filipino)

Opisyal na Pahayag ng ICP Tungkol sa Paggamit ng Mga Kemikal Sa Panlinis ng Mga Face Mask at Iba Pang Mga Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ang Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) ay nais na magpayo sa publiko na sundin ang wastong paggamit at pangangalaga ng mga face mask ayon sa payo ng manufacturer. Para sa mga face mask na maaaring hugasan (washable face masks), gumamit lang ng sabon o sabong pandamit at tubig.

Hindi inirerekumenda ng ICP ang paggamit ng gasolina o diesel bilang panlinis ng mga face mask o iba pang personal protective equipment (PPE).

Ang lahat ng uri ng gasolina ay maituturing na mapanganib na nagdudulot ng masamang epekto sa kalusugan. Naglalaman ang gasolina ng mga sangkap tulad ng BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) at PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) na nakalalason at nagiging sanhi ng kanser.

Ang gasolina ay nagdudulot din ng pangangati ng balat at mata, at maaaring makaapekto sa central nervous system. Mapanganib at posibleng makamatay din ang mga ito kapag nalunok.

References / Mga Sanggunian:

1. OSHA MSDS (Gasoline)
2. UP National Poison Management and Control Center (https://www.facebook.com/upnpmcc/)
3. E Reese and R D Kimbrough, Acute toxicity of gasoline and some additives. Environ Health Perspect. 1993; 101(Suppl 6): 115–131.
4. Medical Management Guidelines for Gasoline, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US Center for Disease Control (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MMG/MMG.asp?id=465&tid=83)

Posted in Advisory.