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Nanofibres as part of respiratory protective devices, but also as a potential source of nano and microplastics to the environment
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This paper examined nanofibers used in respiratory protective equipment as a potential source of nano- and microplastic pollution, comparing particle release during nanofiber production, textile processing, mechanical stress, and disposal. The findings highlight that widespread use of nanofiber-based respirators may contribute to environmental plastic particle contamination.
Increased production of nanofibers (nanotextiles) is causing a global pandemic for their application in protective equipment such as respirators, face shields, nanocoatings, nano knitwear. In essence, the materials from which these protective devices are made are a combination of non-woven fabrics and nanofibers deposited on textiles. The question is to what extent these products will affect the occurrence of nano and microplastics in the environment. This paper focuses on the acquisition and identification of sources of plastic nanoparticles (nanofibers) that are released into the environment. The following possible sources are compared: during the preparation of nanofibres by electrostatic softening; during the processing of nanofibre textiles into products such as respirators, nano-muffs; during mechanical stresses on nanofibre textiles, friction, abrasion; when used respirators, muffs are thrown on the soil grass, in puddles, in water, etc.
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This ecotoxicological study tested the toxic effects of nanofibrous textiles from disposable face masks and respirators on aquatic organisms using standardized European test methods. The nano-scale fibers released from mask waste demonstrated ecotoxicological effects comparable to microplastic and nanoplastic exposures.
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