Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have recently proved that apart from protecting us from inhaling respiratory droplets that contain pathogens, surgical masks are also effective in blocking airborne carcinogens, reducing cancer risks such as lung cancer and leukemia.

The team, led by Associate Prof. Wan CHAN and Prof. Jianzhen YU from the Department of Chemistry and Division of Environment and Sustainability at HKUST, found that in addition to virus-carrying droplets, face masks could also efficiently trap a wide range of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) compounds, including its most toxic forms, in ambient air. Read More... 

Prof. CHAN Wan (Fourth left), Prof. YU Jianzhen (Second right) and their research teams.