What are virus shut-out masks?
What are virus shut-out masks?
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There is no scientific evidence that products marketed as “virus shut-out” (i.e. masks, cards, tags) prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 infection. In a search of medical and scientific literature, there were no search results or studies that mentioned “virus shut-out” masks. Based on the Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page and a search of "virus shut-out" website information, the primary product being promoted is the “virus shut-out” tag for wearing around one's neck. that will reportedly “reduce the 90% risk of being infected by continuously sending out the lowest concentration of chlorine dioxide.” The Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page states that the cards “are not specifically made for COVID-19 and there’s no approved therapeutic claims.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the product is not registered with the EPA and “its safety and efficacy against viruses have not been evaluated.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) website states that the alleged active property, chlorine dioxide, is toxic and can be dangerous with long term or frequent exposure. On the Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page, the “virus shut-out” tag is promoted to be used “with masks for better and stronger protection.” It is not clear if the masks on the company website are medical grade or provide protection above and beyond what cloth face masks provide.
There is no scientific evidence that products marketed as “virus shut-out” (i.e. masks, cards, tags) prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 infection. In a search of medical and scientific literature, there were no search results or studies that mentioned “virus shut-out” masks. Based on the Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page and a search of "virus shut-out" website information, the primary product being promoted is the “virus shut-out” tag for wearing around one's neck. that will reportedly “reduce the 90% risk of being infected by continuously sending out the lowest concentration of chlorine dioxide.” The Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page states that the cards “are not specifically made for COVID-19 and there’s no approved therapeutic claims.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the product is not registered with the EPA and “its safety and efficacy against viruses have not been evaluated.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) website states that the alleged active property, chlorine dioxide, is toxic and can be dangerous with long term or frequent exposure. On the Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page, the “virus shut-out” tag is promoted to be used “with masks for better and stronger protection.” It is not clear if the masks on the company website are medical grade or provide protection above and beyond what cloth face masks provide.
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What our experts say
There is no scientific evidence that products marketed as “virus shut-out” (i.e. masks, cards, tags) prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 infection. In a search of medical and scientific literature, there were no search results or studies that mentioned “virus shut-out” masks.
Based on the Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page and a search of "virus shut-out" website information, the primary product being promoted is the “virus shut-out” tag for wearing around one's neck. that will reportedly “reduce the 90% risk of being infected by continuously sending out the lowest concentration of chlorine dioxide.”
The Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page states that the cards “are not specifically made for COVID-19 and there’s no approved therapeutic claims.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the product is not registered with the EPA and “its safety and efficacy against viruses have not been evaluated.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) website states that the alleged active property, chlorine dioxide, is toxic and can be dangerous with long term or frequent exposure.
On the Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page, the “virus shut-out” tag is promoted to be used “with masks for better and stronger protection.” It is not clear if the masks on the company website are medical grade or provide protection above and beyond what cloth face masks provide.
There is no scientific evidence that products marketed as “virus shut-out” (i.e. masks, cards, tags) prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 infection. In a search of medical and scientific literature, there were no search results or studies that mentioned “virus shut-out” masks.
Based on the Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page and a search of "virus shut-out" website information, the primary product being promoted is the “virus shut-out” tag for wearing around one's neck. that will reportedly “reduce the 90% risk of being infected by continuously sending out the lowest concentration of chlorine dioxide.”
The Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page states that the cards “are not specifically made for COVID-19 and there’s no approved therapeutic claims.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the product is not registered with the EPA and “its safety and efficacy against viruses have not been evaluated.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) website states that the alleged active property, chlorine dioxide, is toxic and can be dangerous with long term or frequent exposure.
On the Virus Shut-Out Tag Facebook page, the “virus shut-out” tag is promoted to be used “with masks for better and stronger protection.” It is not clear if the masks on the company website are medical grade or provide protection above and beyond what cloth face masks provide.
Context and background
There are many new products being marketed to the public to help prevent, treat, and cure COVID-19. Unfortunately, many of these products are not backed by scientific evidence.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), and other leading health organizations advise people to practice social distancing measures (maintaining at least 6 feet/2 meters from people), avoid large crowds especially indoors, practice frequent handwashing, and wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Scientists have said that cloth face masks may provide some protection for the mask wearers, and surgical or N95 masks provide even more protection. Masks should not be worn by infants and children under the age of two; people who are incapacitated, unconscious, or have trouble breathing; or people who would not be able to remove the mask without help. Masks with exhalation valves or vents should not be worn to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
There are many new products being marketed to the public to help prevent, treat, and cure COVID-19. Unfortunately, many of these products are not backed by scientific evidence.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), and other leading health organizations advise people to practice social distancing measures (maintaining at least 6 feet/2 meters from people), avoid large crowds especially indoors, practice frequent handwashing, and wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Scientists have said that cloth face masks may provide some protection for the mask wearers, and surgical or N95 masks provide even more protection. Masks should not be worn by infants and children under the age of two; people who are incapacitated, unconscious, or have trouble breathing; or people who would not be able to remove the mask without help. Masks with exhalation valves or vents should not be worn to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Resources
- U.S. EPA Acts to Protect the Public from Unregistered "Virus Shut Out" Product Imported into Honolulu and Guam (EPA)
- Virus Shut-Out Tag (Facebook)
- TOAMITSHOP (TOAMIT)
- Chlorine Dioxide (US CDC NIOSH)
- Chlorine Dioxide (PubChem)
- Considerations for Wearing Masks (US CDC)
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks (WHO)
- Still Confused about Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus (UCSF)
- U.S. EPA Acts to Protect the Public from Unregistered "Virus Shut Out" Product Imported into Honolulu and Guam (EPA)
- Virus Shut-Out Tag (Facebook)
- TOAMITSHOP (TOAMIT)
- Chlorine Dioxide (US CDC NIOSH)
- Chlorine Dioxide (PubChem)
- Considerations for Wearing Masks (US CDC)
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks (WHO)
- Still Confused about Masks? Here's the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus (UCSF)
