Amid strong concerns about the safety and health of consumers regarding protective masks, Cyprus participated in a pan-European action to control the market for masks and gloves, which are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). A large percentage of the masks and gloves examined were found not to meet the strict requirements for personal protective equipment. Measures were taken for these masks and gloves to be removed from the market.
More specifically, Cyprus was represented in this pan-European action, funded by the European Commission, by the Department of Labor Inspection of the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Security. The action included sampling and laboratory tests in an accredited laboratory for masks and protective gloves, to check compliance. In total, 100 samples from different masks and gloves were tested.
Laboratory tests have shown that many of the masks and gloves placed on the market did not meet the requirements of personal protective equipment. The non-compliances concerned deficiencies in marking and protective properties. The competent authorities in each case took appropriate measures to withdraw the dangerous products. In the above links you can see the results in detail. Typically, it is reported that almost all KN95 type masks did not meet the requirements of the test, while more than half of the gloves tested were found to be non-compliant. All dangerous products were additionally registered in the RAPEX Dangerous Products Information Exchange Network. On the website of the Department of Labor Inspection, under the footer for Koronovirus you can find all the relevant announcements concerning dangerous masks.
As part of the action, and to help consumers, the European Commission has prepared short and simple instructions to consumers to make the right choice. gloves and masks which are means of personal protection.