Direct appointment of Cu Mask Developer and Manufacturer raised doubts on conflict of interest and transfer of benefits
#CopperMask
#CopperMask
#Newspaper #CopperMask
CuMask logbook 1/3 - Another multi-million project riddled with hundred holes
Criticisms raised in the first 5 days covering alleged breach of tendering process, government-business collusion, transfer of benefits, excessive collection of personal data to misleading product claim and potential health concern.
After 15 consecutive days without locally transmitted infection of Coronavirus being found, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam said she was going to distribute reusable CuMask to all Hong Kong citizens for free last Tuesday (5 May) when she was announcing relaxation of the city’s social distancing measures. This long-delayed right decision, arrived at such awkward timing, invited nothing more than a surge of criticisms.
Day 1 (5 May)
The six-layer copper-lined reusable mask was said to be developed by a government-funded institution, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), employing an enhanced filtration technology that earned top honours at a European exhibition in 2018. In the announcement briefing, Edwin Keh, CEO of HKRITA, claimed that the mask’s copper elements can suppress virus and the mask including the filter inside, could be handwashed with soap and water for as many as 60 times.
Alfred Sit, the newly appointed Secretary for Innovation & Technology refused to name the manufacturer of the washable masks, saying that it could spur competitors from other countries outbidding for raw materials.
Source: Apple Daily
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Continue
CuMask logbook 1/3 - Another multi-million project riddled with hundred holes
Criticisms raised in the first 5 days covering alleged breach of tendering process, government-business collusion, transfer of benefits, excessive collection of personal data to misleading product claim and potential health concern.
After 15 consecutive days without locally transmitted infection of Coronavirus being found, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam said she was going to distribute reusable CuMask to all Hong Kong citizens for free last Tuesday (5 May) when she was announcing relaxation of the city’s social distancing measures. This long-delayed right decision, arrived at such awkward timing, invited nothing more than a surge of criticisms.
Day 1 (5 May)
The six-layer copper-lined reusable mask was said to be developed by a government-funded institution, the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), employing an enhanced filtration technology that earned top honours at a European exhibition in 2018. In the announcement briefing, Edwin Keh, CEO of HKRITA, claimed that the mask’s copper elements can suppress virus and the mask including the filter inside, could be handwashed with soap and water for as many as 60 times.
Alfred Sit, the newly appointed Secretary for Innovation & Technology refused to name the manufacturer of the washable masks, saying that it could spur competitors from other countries outbidding for raw materials.
Source: Apple Daily
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Continue
#Newspaper #CopperMask
CuMask logbook 2/3 - Another multi-million project riddled with hundred holes
Day 2 (6 May)
The mystery identify of mask manufacturer sparked loads of criticisms among legislators, questioning why the administration did not carry out a tender process to choose the production firms for a massive contract worth about HK$800 million. Some even raised corruption allegation, concerning about conflict of interest and transfer of benefits.
Even the pro-establishment legislator threw in bitter criticisms pointing out the lack of transparency could lead to government-business collusion. The Liberal Party leader Felix Chung said although single tender procurement allowed for faster production, the government choosing not to disclose the manufacturer's name gave an impression that there were underhand deals involved.
On the same day, a local media outed that boxes of reusable masks were found at the Mills with clear markings that read “Regent Garment Factory Limited” and “Crystal Elegance Industrial Limited”, both companies are solely-owned by the Crystal International.
Under relentless public fire, Permanent secretary for innovation and technology Annie Choi Shuk-han was forced to reveal the identity of the manufacturer, explaining that the government did not disclose the producer’s name at the first place because they did not want to “bother” the company.
…… Crystal International publicly for producing the masks;
…… Novetex Textiles in Tai Po Industrial Estate for providing a dust-free room for packing the masks;
…… The Mills in Tsuen Wan and TAL Apparel in To Kwa Wan for providing venues as storage and sewing areas.
Choi also defended that “Under the government's stores and procurement regulations, direct procurement is allowed in a pressing situation." Choi reiterated that the campaign was a non-profit effort, the Crystal group offered to help at an "old friend's price" of around HK$30 to HK$40 per mask.
Day 3 (7 May)
Although bureau official denied transfer of benefits, the allegation of corruption was not groundless as the company’s share price soared soon after its name was revealed on May 7 by 12.5%.
Media also found several suspiciously large purchases of shares in late March when the production contract was awarded to Crystal International, but public announcement was yet to be made. Local media also pointed out that Frankie Wong Chi-fai, executive director of Crystal Group, and Tommy Siu Yuk-yin, vice-president of TAL Apparel, are both HKRITA directors.
Separately, the collection of personal information during the mask distribution has raised concerns over information security and the government’s handling of the data.
Craig Choy, former convener of the Progressive Lawyers Group, wrote on Twitter that the government had failed to state the purposes of data collection and whether the information would be transferred to any third party.
Source: Apple Daily
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Continue
CuMask logbook 2/3 - Another multi-million project riddled with hundred holes
Day 2 (6 May)
The mystery identify of mask manufacturer sparked loads of criticisms among legislators, questioning why the administration did not carry out a tender process to choose the production firms for a massive contract worth about HK$800 million. Some even raised corruption allegation, concerning about conflict of interest and transfer of benefits.
Even the pro-establishment legislator threw in bitter criticisms pointing out the lack of transparency could lead to government-business collusion. The Liberal Party leader Felix Chung said although single tender procurement allowed for faster production, the government choosing not to disclose the manufacturer's name gave an impression that there were underhand deals involved.
On the same day, a local media outed that boxes of reusable masks were found at the Mills with clear markings that read “Regent Garment Factory Limited” and “Crystal Elegance Industrial Limited”, both companies are solely-owned by the Crystal International.
Under relentless public fire, Permanent secretary for innovation and technology Annie Choi Shuk-han was forced to reveal the identity of the manufacturer, explaining that the government did not disclose the producer’s name at the first place because they did not want to “bother” the company.
…… Crystal International publicly for producing the masks;
…… Novetex Textiles in Tai Po Industrial Estate for providing a dust-free room for packing the masks;
…… The Mills in Tsuen Wan and TAL Apparel in To Kwa Wan for providing venues as storage and sewing areas.
Choi also defended that “Under the government's stores and procurement regulations, direct procurement is allowed in a pressing situation." Choi reiterated that the campaign was a non-profit effort, the Crystal group offered to help at an "old friend's price" of around HK$30 to HK$40 per mask.
Day 3 (7 May)
Although bureau official denied transfer of benefits, the allegation of corruption was not groundless as the company’s share price soared soon after its name was revealed on May 7 by 12.5%.
Media also found several suspiciously large purchases of shares in late March when the production contract was awarded to Crystal International, but public announcement was yet to be made. Local media also pointed out that Frankie Wong Chi-fai, executive director of Crystal Group, and Tommy Siu Yuk-yin, vice-president of TAL Apparel, are both HKRITA directors.
Separately, the collection of personal information during the mask distribution has raised concerns over information security and the government’s handling of the data.
Craig Choy, former convener of the Progressive Lawyers Group, wrote on Twitter that the government had failed to state the purposes of data collection and whether the information would be transferred to any third party.
Source: Apple Daily
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Continue
#Newspaper #CopperMask
CuMask logbook 3/3 - Another multi-million project riddled with hundred holes
Day 4 (8 May)
The Mask which cost HK$800 million to develop were revealed to not be based on award-winning patents which Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit showed off the award certificate while introducing the mask at the press on Tuesday (May 5).
Besides, more doubts had been casted on the effectiveness of the mask - rather than protecting the mask wearers from breathing in the virus, the elements of copper in the CuMask may "poison" human organs, an expert in Chemistry, Dr K Kwong challenged.
Day 5 (9 May)
Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit admitted that the CuMask did not include the award-winning technology because it would not be able to sustain up to 60 washes.
But he argued that the inner layers of the mask, which contain anti-bacteria copper elements, were derived from the same technology. Sit called it a "modified or enhanced" version.
He even forced on another reason saying not mentioning the technology was disrespectful to developers.
He reassumed the public that the Masks have undergone strict testing and certification processes before product.
Infectious disease expert from the University of Hong Kong, Dr.Ho Pak Leung, however, warned that the reusable masks shall not be used when going to hospitals, clinics and elderly homes; getting fever or with respiratory symptoms; those classified a confiner, especially home confinees and household members; and those diagnosed with novel coronavirus or suspected cases.
Source: Apple Daily
CuMask logbook 3/3 - Another multi-million project riddled with hundred holes
Day 4 (8 May)
The Mask which cost HK$800 million to develop were revealed to not be based on award-winning patents which Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit showed off the award certificate while introducing the mask at the press on Tuesday (May 5).
Besides, more doubts had been casted on the effectiveness of the mask - rather than protecting the mask wearers from breathing in the virus, the elements of copper in the CuMask may "poison" human organs, an expert in Chemistry, Dr K Kwong challenged.
Day 5 (9 May)
Secretary for Innovation & Technology Alfred Sit admitted that the CuMask did not include the award-winning technology because it would not be able to sustain up to 60 washes.
But he argued that the inner layers of the mask, which contain anti-bacteria copper elements, were derived from the same technology. Sit called it a "modified or enhanced" version.
He even forced on another reason saying not mentioning the technology was disrespectful to developers.
He reassumed the public that the Masks have undergone strict testing and certification processes before product.
Infectious disease expert from the University of Hong Kong, Dr.Ho Pak Leung, however, warned that the reusable masks shall not be used when going to hospitals, clinics and elderly homes; getting fever or with respiratory symptoms; those classified a confiner, especially home confinees and household members; and those diagnosed with novel coronavirus or suspected cases.
Source: Apple Daily
#Newspaper
Copper Mask concerns 1/3:
PolyU patented mask with anti bacterial magnetic field stolen and swapped with patentless masks by government
(08 May)Carrie Lam, the CE, along with other senior officials and HKRITA management had a press conference this Tuesday, and provided update on CU masks’ distribution status, and remarked that this outcome is “all thanks to the effort from those who received 800 million subsidy from the government’s Anti-epidemic fund”. Alfred Sit, the secretary for Innovation and technology, described the CU mask as a “locally developed and used” mask, and is a product “from the coordinated development between government and scientific labs, using the resource from Anti-epidemic and improving techniques within short period of time for earlier use of the public.” He said, the mask’s patent design was developed in 2017 by HKRITA, and was funded by the Innovation and Technology fund. It was awarded the gold medal in the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions,
On the press conference, all attendants wore the CU masks, and the organiser specifically showcased the medal next to the masks.
Yet, the CU mask is not related to the awarded patent techniques at all. HKRITA is a nonprofit organization funded by the government, and operated by PolyU. When we check the project database on HKRITA’s website, there are only 2 development projects relating to face masks, among them “the development of reusable and comfort face masks as a barrier to Microorganisms” is similar to what the officials put forward. And the project which was subsidized HKD1.28M, and lasted from 2017 Mar to 2019 January was awarded gold medal in the 46th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions (2018). And two patents are held, either approved or pending, in both PRC and USA. The patent application number is the same as the government’s CU masks application site.
Full translation: https://telegra.ph/PolyU-patented-mask-with-anti-bacterial-magnetic-field-stolen-and-swapped-with-patentless-masks-by-government-05-11
Source: Apple Daily News
https://bit.ly/3dBIxby
Further reading:
#CopperMask
Copper Mask concerns 1/3:
PolyU patented mask with anti bacterial magnetic field stolen and swapped with patentless masks by government
(08 May)Carrie Lam, the CE, along with other senior officials and HKRITA management had a press conference this Tuesday, and provided update on CU masks’ distribution status, and remarked that this outcome is “all thanks to the effort from those who received 800 million subsidy from the government’s Anti-epidemic fund”. Alfred Sit, the secretary for Innovation and technology, described the CU mask as a “locally developed and used” mask, and is a product “from the coordinated development between government and scientific labs, using the resource from Anti-epidemic and improving techniques within short period of time for earlier use of the public.” He said, the mask’s patent design was developed in 2017 by HKRITA, and was funded by the Innovation and Technology fund. It was awarded the gold medal in the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions,
On the press conference, all attendants wore the CU masks, and the organiser specifically showcased the medal next to the masks.
Yet, the CU mask is not related to the awarded patent techniques at all. HKRITA is a nonprofit organization funded by the government, and operated by PolyU. When we check the project database on HKRITA’s website, there are only 2 development projects relating to face masks, among them “the development of reusable and comfort face masks as a barrier to Microorganisms” is similar to what the officials put forward. And the project which was subsidized HKD1.28M, and lasted from 2017 Mar to 2019 January was awarded gold medal in the 46th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions (2018). And two patents are held, either approved or pending, in both PRC and USA. The patent application number is the same as the government’s CU masks application site.
Full translation: https://telegra.ph/PolyU-patented-mask-with-anti-bacterial-magnetic-field-stolen-and-swapped-with-patentless-masks-by-government-05-11
Source: Apple Daily News
https://bit.ly/3dBIxby
Further reading:
#CopperMask
Telegraph
PolyU patented mask with anti bacterial magnetic field stolen and swapped with patentless masks by government
(08 May)Carrie Lam, the CE, along with other senior officials and HKRITA management had a press conference this Tuesday, and provided update on CU masks’ distribution status, and remarked that this outcome is “all thanks to the effort from those who received…
#Newspaper
Copper Mask concerns 2/3: Background of Crystal International Group (CIG)
Editorial note: In response to public query and concerns regarding the lack of open bidding process of CuMask, Alfred Sit , the Secretary of ITB told the public on 11th May media conference that there would be open bid for the production of the CuMask filters. The government would validate and verify eligible raw materials suppliers.
According to Forbes, the Law Family rank #31 on the list of Asian’s richest in 2017. CIG makes clothes for a host of famous labels, such as Uniqlo, H&M, Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, Marks & Spencer, Puma, North Face, Levi's, Gap and Under Armour.
(8 May) CIG was founded by the Kenneth Lo couple. Kenneth Lo is the eldest son of Law Ting-Pong (the founder of Bossini group.) CIG was listed in 2017. It is a family business. Kenneth Lo’s eldest son Andrew Lo is the CEO of CIG. An executive director of CIG, Chi-Fai Wong is also an executive director of and a member of the technology committee member of HKRITA. Andrew Lo was a former executive director of HKRITA.
In response to media’s questions, CIG group confirmed tonight (8th May) that “HKRITA sought technological production advice from them in the end of February. They indicated that the HK government intended to distribute reusable masks to the public free. As HK doesn’t have sufficient technological capability to produce large quantity of reusable masks in short term, HKRITA requested assistance from CIG group.” The company needed to meet government requirements to produce more than 7 million of masks within 6 weeks, therefore they need to build additional production lines in Vietnam.
As to the public concern of conflicts of interests, CIG made an official statement clarified that “Mr. Wong had disclosed his roles in HKRITA in the end of February to the board of directors of CIG group and that he was assisting the government in the mask project. He did not participate in any discussion or decision relating to the production of CuMask by CIG group.”
HK government has not disclosed the manufacturer of the reusable masks; neither was any open bid. HK government only mentioned that they appointed HKRITA to be responsible for overseeing the reusable masks. However, when the Chief Executive inspected (CIG’s factory) at Tsuen Wan yesterday (7th May), the media discovered that CIG was one of the producers of the reusable masks. CIG only disclosed the fact that they are the main producer of the reusable masks today and that Chi-Fai Wong is an executive director of both CIG and HKRITA.
Source: HKCNews, Ming Pao
#HKRITA #CopperMask #nepotism #InsiderDealing #CIG
Copper Mask concerns 2/3: Background of Crystal International Group (CIG)
Editorial note: In response to public query and concerns regarding the lack of open bidding process of CuMask, Alfred Sit , the Secretary of ITB told the public on 11th May media conference that there would be open bid for the production of the CuMask filters. The government would validate and verify eligible raw materials suppliers.
According to Forbes, the Law Family rank #31 on the list of Asian’s richest in 2017. CIG makes clothes for a host of famous labels, such as Uniqlo, H&M, Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch, Marks & Spencer, Puma, North Face, Levi's, Gap and Under Armour.
(8 May) CIG was founded by the Kenneth Lo couple. Kenneth Lo is the eldest son of Law Ting-Pong (the founder of Bossini group.) CIG was listed in 2017. It is a family business. Kenneth Lo’s eldest son Andrew Lo is the CEO of CIG. An executive director of CIG, Chi-Fai Wong is also an executive director of and a member of the technology committee member of HKRITA. Andrew Lo was a former executive director of HKRITA.
In response to media’s questions, CIG group confirmed tonight (8th May) that “HKRITA sought technological production advice from them in the end of February. They indicated that the HK government intended to distribute reusable masks to the public free. As HK doesn’t have sufficient technological capability to produce large quantity of reusable masks in short term, HKRITA requested assistance from CIG group.” The company needed to meet government requirements to produce more than 7 million of masks within 6 weeks, therefore they need to build additional production lines in Vietnam.
As to the public concern of conflicts of interests, CIG made an official statement clarified that “Mr. Wong had disclosed his roles in HKRITA in the end of February to the board of directors of CIG group and that he was assisting the government in the mask project. He did not participate in any discussion or decision relating to the production of CuMask by CIG group.”
HK government has not disclosed the manufacturer of the reusable masks; neither was any open bid. HK government only mentioned that they appointed HKRITA to be responsible for overseeing the reusable masks. However, when the Chief Executive inspected (CIG’s factory) at Tsuen Wan yesterday (7th May), the media discovered that CIG was one of the producers of the reusable masks. CIG only disclosed the fact that they are the main producer of the reusable masks today and that Chi-Fai Wong is an executive director of both CIG and HKRITA.
Source: HKCNews, Ming Pao
#HKRITA #CopperMask #nepotism #InsiderDealing #CIG
眾新聞
【銅芯口罩二月底簽約】晶苑股價三月一度升四成 兩次千萬股大成交
涉及八億公帑的可重用口罩，政府在沒公開招標下一直不公開製造商名單及合約內容，日前被傳媒揭發生產商名字後，創科局今日終證實主要製造商為上市公司晶苑國際集團(02232)，該股股價今日彈升一成半。翻查該股過去三個月股價及成交，該股於三月份有兩次逾千萬股的大手成交，而股價更於三月在低位一度反彈四成，遠遠跑贏大市。晶苑傍晚證實香港紡織及成衣研發中心二月底找他們協助生產，三月正是全力生產口罩之時。
Copper Mask concerns 3/3:
The changes of share price of Crystal International Group (2232): Possible Insider Trading?
The diagram on the left shows the share prices pattern of 2232 in the last 6 months. There were two unusual large transactions on 24/3 and 27/3. The 24/3 big trade recorded 10 million shares pushing up the share price to $2.04. The share price further rose up to $2.48 after the second big lot of trading 15 million shares on 27/3. The closing market price of 2232 on 7/5 (right hand side chart) was $2.25, a jump up of 12.5%.
Source: HKCNews
Further reading:
CuMask logbook - Another multi-million project riddled with hundred holes
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20622
#CIG #CopperMask
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ Continue
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20742
The changes of share price of Crystal International Group (2232): Possible Insider Trading?
The diagram on the left shows the share prices pattern of 2232 in the last 6 months. There were two unusual large transactions on 24/3 and 27/3. The 24/3 big trade recorded 10 million shares pushing up the share price to $2.04. The share price further rose up to $2.48 after the second big lot of trading 15 million shares on 27/3. The closing market price of 2232 on 7/5 (right hand side chart) was $2.25, a jump up of 12.5%.
Source: HKCNews
Further reading:
CuMask logbook - Another multi-million project riddled with hundred holes
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20622
#CIG #CopperMask
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ Continue
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/20742
#Newspaper #CopperMask
Leading filter nano-technology expert criticized the CUMasks with having major health concerns: the accumulation of copper particles inside the lungs and human organs is a ticking time bomb.
(8 May) There are doubts regarding the effectiveness of the government distributed reusable masks. The Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB) and HKRITA attempted to provide further explanation on this but they could not relieve public concerns. A leading expert in nano-particles and mask filtration technologies discovered that the CuMask was not able to lock up the virus effectively because the “anti-bacteria virus-protection” copper particles are not evenly distributed within the filter. There is another concern that the tiny nano-copper particles can be inhaled into the lungs of the user. The masks are not breathable as the filters are too thick. The CUMasks fails to meet the EU EN14683 standard.
The ITB and HKRITA repeatedly emphasized that the copper filter in the CUMask copper is able to catch and kill bacteria and viruses. According to available information, there are six layers inside the CUMask. Four of these filters are made up of non-woven fabric materials. The last two layers contain copper. The outermost coppery layer is added with darken copper oxidized yarn. The third light brown color layer contains copper particles.
However, leading nanofiber multiple layers filter expert Professor Wallace Leung of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University questions the safety and effectiveness of the CUMask.
Concern 1: Uneven distribution of the copper participles making the copper filter layers not effective enough to catch, lock, and kill viruses.
Concern 2: The nano-copper particles can be easily inhaled into the lungs causing long term copper accumulation inside the body. There is also risk that the nano-copper particles that are not firmly adhered to the fabric can be detached from the filter layers after repeated rough washes, make them even easier to be inhaled.
Concern 3: The filters are too thick. The more they are washed, the more they become unbreathable. After 40 washes, the differential pressure rises to 5, failing USA ASTM standards.
Concern 4: The mask fails EU Safety standards and is not suitable for the elderly and the sick. The HK government claims that the CUMask has passed the ASTM standard but the CEO of HKRITA Edwin Keh referred to the EN14683 standard instead when answering questions from the media about the breathability of the masks. The differential pressure has to be lower than 4 in order to be compliant with EU requirements. The test results for CuMask is 4.4 as disclosed on their website. The mask is not safe for the elderly and those who suffer from long term respiratory diseases.
Editor’s note: EN14683 is an EU standard for testing bacterial filtration efficiency and differential pressure with ASTM F2100. Manufacturers who wish to market their medical face masks in both USA and Europe will need to perform the tests required by both standards and meet the different performance requirements listed in table 2. Here is explanation of how the harmonization of the two sets of standards.
Source: Apple Daily
#WallaceLeung #PolyU
Leading filter nano-technology expert criticized the CUMasks with having major health concerns: the accumulation of copper particles inside the lungs and human organs is a ticking time bomb.
(8 May) There are doubts regarding the effectiveness of the government distributed reusable masks. The Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB) and HKRITA attempted to provide further explanation on this but they could not relieve public concerns. A leading expert in nano-particles and mask filtration technologies discovered that the CuMask was not able to lock up the virus effectively because the “anti-bacteria virus-protection” copper particles are not evenly distributed within the filter. There is another concern that the tiny nano-copper particles can be inhaled into the lungs of the user. The masks are not breathable as the filters are too thick. The CUMasks fails to meet the EU EN14683 standard.
The ITB and HKRITA repeatedly emphasized that the copper filter in the CUMask copper is able to catch and kill bacteria and viruses. According to available information, there are six layers inside the CUMask. Four of these filters are made up of non-woven fabric materials. The last two layers contain copper. The outermost coppery layer is added with darken copper oxidized yarn. The third light brown color layer contains copper particles.
However, leading nanofiber multiple layers filter expert Professor Wallace Leung of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University questions the safety and effectiveness of the CUMask.
Concern 1: Uneven distribution of the copper participles making the copper filter layers not effective enough to catch, lock, and kill viruses.
Concern 2: The nano-copper particles can be easily inhaled into the lungs causing long term copper accumulation inside the body. There is also risk that the nano-copper particles that are not firmly adhered to the fabric can be detached from the filter layers after repeated rough washes, make them even easier to be inhaled.
Concern 3: The filters are too thick. The more they are washed, the more they become unbreathable. After 40 washes, the differential pressure rises to 5, failing USA ASTM standards.
Concern 4: The mask fails EU Safety standards and is not suitable for the elderly and the sick. The HK government claims that the CUMask has passed the ASTM standard but the CEO of HKRITA Edwin Keh referred to the EN14683 standard instead when answering questions from the media about the breathability of the masks. The differential pressure has to be lower than 4 in order to be compliant with EU requirements. The test results for CuMask is 4.4 as disclosed on their website. The mask is not safe for the elderly and those who suffer from long term respiratory diseases.
Editor’s note: EN14683 is an EU standard for testing bacterial filtration efficiency and differential pressure with ASTM F2100. Manufacturers who wish to market their medical face masks in both USA and Europe will need to perform the tests required by both standards and meet the different performance requirements listed in table 2. Here is explanation of how the harmonization of the two sets of standards.
Source: Apple Daily
#WallaceLeung #PolyU
#NetizensVoice
Testing of reusable Copper Mask
Editor’s Note: Scientist, inventor and KOL Dr. K Kwong has been closely monitoring and critically commenting on the Hong Kong government's measures against COVID-19 with his expertise in science and unique humour. He also invented a reusable cloth mask for use with disposable filters and made the design available for the public to make at home and mass produce.
(10 May) 051023 【01Mask】The fourth washing today. The inner layer took 30 minutes to absorb enough soapy water to wet through the filter. It took another 45 minutes to rinse the soap, otherwise it would get mouldy. I am 100% sure no mask maker would send a sample after 60 washings to Taiwan for the test!
Why isn't our government following his footsteps?
Source: K Kwong
https://bit.ly/3gftV3I
#CopperMask #KKwong #Coronavirus
Testing of reusable Copper Mask
Editor’s Note: Scientist, inventor and KOL Dr. K Kwong has been closely monitoring and critically commenting on the Hong Kong government's measures against COVID-19 with his expertise in science and unique humour. He also invented a reusable cloth mask for use with disposable filters and made the design available for the public to make at home and mass produce.
(10 May) 051023 【01Mask】The fourth washing today. The inner layer took 30 minutes to absorb enough soapy water to wet through the filter. It took another 45 minutes to rinse the soap, otherwise it would get mouldy. I am 100% sure no mask maker would send a sample after 60 washings to Taiwan for the test!
Why isn't our government following his footsteps?
Source: K Kwong
https://bit.ly/3gftV3I
#CopperMask #KKwong #Coronavirus
CuMasks 1/3 : (Hong Kong) More Nepotism surrounding the manufacturing of CuMasks: Vice Chairman of the Esquel Group also chairs HKRITA. An affiliate company of PRC based non-woven fabric textile manufacturer Action Medical Sundries Ltd. received extra government subsidiaries for production of disposable masks
Summary: this is a highlight of the potential or actual conflicts of interests involved two more disclosed manufacturers of the controversial Cu masks and the background of the two companies.
Hong Kong government awarded several hundred millions of public government contracts for the CuMask manufacturing without open bidding process. The coordinating entity The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) provided piecemeal information in recent days. There are four material suppliers being chosen to support production of the six layered CuMasks. Ms Teresa Yang, the chairwoman of HKRITA is one of the suppliers that are awarded for the government contracts. She is the vice chairman of Esquel Group. An affiliate company of Action Medical Sundries Ltd (supplier of the non-woven fabric for the production of the CuMask) had previously received $5 million government subsidy for the surgical masks production.
The Permanent Secretary of the Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB), Ms Annie Choi could not ease public concerns relating to conflicts of interests between the suppliers and HKRITA when being questioned by media at last Friday’s press conference. She told the media that all the suppliers were not based in Hong Kong but provided the raw materials to Hong Kong during the pandemic. She was worried that might upset their local governments if Hong Kong government disclosed their identities. They signed the non-disclosure agreements with the government. “I also wanted to discuss the situation but this was a bit difficult for me if the disclosure would affect them.”
Yet, on the next day HKRITA indicated that they had obtained consent from the raw materials suppliers to disclose their identities for addressing media’s questions. HKRITA emphasises that there are specific technological requirements attached to five types of raw materials for the production of the copper masks. They identified a list of exclusive suppliers that could satisfy all these requirements in February. They are:
• Action Medical Sundries Ltd (note: PRC based factory, manufacturer of non-woven fabrics)
• Argaman Technologies Ltd. (note: Israel based company, patent owner of Cotton X technology involving injection of cotton particles with bio-inhibitive to fabric. The fabric supplied by Argamon Technologies is currently mainly for chemotherapy patients at hospitals.)
• Esquel Group (note: HK based textile and apparel manufacturer)
• Y and K Textiles Ltd (note: Importer and exporter of woven and non-woven fabrics from South Korea to Europe, SE Asian countries, HK, and India.)
Source: HKCNews
#CopperMask #HKRITA #EsquelGroup #ActionMedicalSundriesLtd #Coronavirus
Summary: this is a highlight of the potential or actual conflicts of interests involved two more disclosed manufacturers of the controversial Cu masks and the background of the two companies.
Hong Kong government awarded several hundred millions of public government contracts for the CuMask manufacturing without open bidding process. The coordinating entity The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) provided piecemeal information in recent days. There are four material suppliers being chosen to support production of the six layered CuMasks. Ms Teresa Yang, the chairwoman of HKRITA is one of the suppliers that are awarded for the government contracts. She is the vice chairman of Esquel Group. An affiliate company of Action Medical Sundries Ltd (supplier of the non-woven fabric for the production of the CuMask) had previously received $5 million government subsidy for the surgical masks production.
The Permanent Secretary of the Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB), Ms Annie Choi could not ease public concerns relating to conflicts of interests between the suppliers and HKRITA when being questioned by media at last Friday’s press conference. She told the media that all the suppliers were not based in Hong Kong but provided the raw materials to Hong Kong during the pandemic. She was worried that might upset their local governments if Hong Kong government disclosed their identities. They signed the non-disclosure agreements with the government. “I also wanted to discuss the situation but this was a bit difficult for me if the disclosure would affect them.”
Yet, on the next day HKRITA indicated that they had obtained consent from the raw materials suppliers to disclose their identities for addressing media’s questions. HKRITA emphasises that there are specific technological requirements attached to five types of raw materials for the production of the copper masks. They identified a list of exclusive suppliers that could satisfy all these requirements in February. They are:
• Action Medical Sundries Ltd (note: PRC based factory, manufacturer of non-woven fabrics)
• Argaman Technologies Ltd. (note: Israel based company, patent owner of Cotton X technology involving injection of cotton particles with bio-inhibitive to fabric. The fabric supplied by Argamon Technologies is currently mainly for chemotherapy patients at hospitals.)
• Esquel Group (note: HK based textile and apparel manufacturer)
• Y and K Textiles Ltd (note: Importer and exporter of woven and non-woven fabrics from South Korea to Europe, SE Asian countries, HK, and India.)
Source: HKCNews
#CopperMask #HKRITA #EsquelGroup #ActionMedicalSundriesLtd #Coronavirus
Cu Mask 3/3: What kind of copper particles are used?
Editorial note: Among the 4 raw material suppliers, the Israel company Argaman Technologies Ltd is the only one that possesses the Cotton X technology with no mention of the nano-copper particles or micro-copper particles in their official website. Argaman Technologies produces their own version of Copper mask under the patent name BioBlocX™ Masks that are available for direct online orders for retail use. Nothing described at Argaman nor Cotton X’s websites resemble the version of the explanations provided by HKRITA. In fact, Argaman Technologies never mentioned anything about copper particles and whether the copper particles are nano or micron size.
HKRITA tries to clarify ‘public misunderstanding’ of nano-copper particles and micro copper particles surrounding the CuMasks. They reported that the CuMasks contain micro copper particles with a diameter of more than 1 micron, which is more than 1000 times larger than a nano-copper particle. HKRITA emphasises that there are three additional filtering layers embedded in the Cu Masks that can effectively filtered out any particles that are larger than 0.1 micron. Therefore, there is no concern of breathing in the micro-copper particles. HKRITA also stated that the Cu Masks do not contain any nano-copper particles.
Source: HKCNews
#CopperMask #CopperParticle #ArgamanTechnologiesLtd #CuMasks
Editorial note: Among the 4 raw material suppliers, the Israel company Argaman Technologies Ltd is the only one that possesses the Cotton X technology with no mention of the nano-copper particles or micro-copper particles in their official website. Argaman Technologies produces their own version of Copper mask under the patent name BioBlocX™ Masks that are available for direct online orders for retail use. Nothing described at Argaman nor Cotton X’s websites resemble the version of the explanations provided by HKRITA. In fact, Argaman Technologies never mentioned anything about copper particles and whether the copper particles are nano or micron size.
HKRITA tries to clarify ‘public misunderstanding’ of nano-copper particles and micro copper particles surrounding the CuMasks. They reported that the CuMasks contain micro copper particles with a diameter of more than 1 micron, which is more than 1000 times larger than a nano-copper particle. HKRITA emphasises that there are three additional filtering layers embedded in the Cu Masks that can effectively filtered out any particles that are larger than 0.1 micron. Therefore, there is no concern of breathing in the micro-copper particles. HKRITA also stated that the Cu Masks do not contain any nano-copper particles.
Source: HKCNews
#CopperMask #CopperParticle #ArgamanTechnologiesLtd #CuMasks