DOH to test safety of black facial masks

The Department of Health (DOH) will investigate if the use of black facial masks is safe for use by the public.

A "24 Oras" report by Tina Panganiban-Perez on Wednesday showed a video of a man who applied black facial mask. He felt uneasy, however, as he peeled off the mask.

"Aray... ah patay. Hala ano na ba nangyari dito? Aray masisira na mukha ko dito... Patay na... ah narinig niyo 'yun? Ah wala na talaga, aray..." the man said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the product should be seized and be tested first by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Kailangang kumpiskahin 'yung produkto at 'yung produkto na 'yan ay dapat ipasuri sa FDA kung 'yan ba ay kailangang sumailalim sa kanilang testing. Paimbestigahan na lang natin," Duque said.

Dr. Cristabel Sy, a dermatologist, said face masks are really helpful in removing dirt such as blackheads and whiteheads on one's face.

Sy, however, advised the public to check the contents of the mask before putting it especially if the one who will use it has some allergies on certain products.

"Look at the contents of the product especially if you have some allergy to some substances. Before putting it on your whole face, you try to put a small amount of the mask at the back of your ears or sa front ng ears kasi sensitive 'yung area na 'to," Sy said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP/KG, GMA News