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Microplastics and chemical additives from disposable face masks: Environmental, human health and behavioural impacts
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This review examined the environmental and health risks posed by microplastics and chemical additives released from synthetic disposable face masks. Researchers found that face masks are a substantial source of microplastic fibers and can leach harmful chemicals into both ecosystems and the human body. The study also explored how behavioral factors like mask disposal habits influence the overall pollution risk.
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a major environmental issue with significant health implications. Synthetic face masks (FMs) have been identified as a substantial source of MPs and chemical additives, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. This systematic literature review examines the environmental and human health risks associated with MPs and chemical additives released from synthetic FMs and explores the behavioural factors influencing these risks. This interdisciplinary perspective is not well-explored in existing literature and offers new insights into the field. Key findings indicate that MPs are present in newly manufactured FMs, likely generated during the non-woven FM production process, with various environmental factors accelerating the release of MPs and additives. While existing studies highlight MP toxicity in aquatic and terrestrial organisms, there is a lack of research addressing the direct MP impact on human health. Workplaces where FMs are used as personal protective equipment may create conditions that promote pollutant release; however, but the literature has predominantly focused on secondary exposure via the food chain, rather than on direct exposure during FM use. Most research centres on the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a gap in understanding risks for individuals relying on FMs for occupational safety or living in areas with poor air quality. The wide range and concentration of additives reported suggest inadequate regulation in FM production. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term health impacts of MPs and additives, understanding FM-wearing behaviours to assess exposure levels, conducting cause-and-effect studies to inform policy, and developing sustainable alternatives.
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This review examines the environmental threats posed by disposable face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on microplastic release. Researchers found that discarded masks undergo physical and chemical degradation in the environment, generating microplastics that contaminate both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The study provides an overview of current knowledge on microplastic extraction methods and proposes strategies for controlling mask-related plastic pollution through source reduction and improved waste management.
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COVID-19 disposable face masks: source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment
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Researchers investigated COVID-19 disposable face masks as a new source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment, analyzing particles released from masks submerged in water under different conditions. The masks released significant quantities of microplastic fibers and chemical additives, with quantities increasing with aging and sunlight exposure. The pandemic-era surge in disposable mask use created a new and largely unquantified pathway for plastic contamination of waterways.
Disposable surgical/medical face masks and filtering face pieces: Source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment
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Researchers tested how many microplastics and chemicals leach from disposable face masks into water, finding that filtering face pieces (like N95 masks) released 3 to 4 times more microplastic particles than standard surgical masks. The study also identified potentially harmful chemicals leaching from the masks, including bisphenol B, which had not been previously reported in mask materials. Since billions of disposable masks have been used and discarded since the pandemic, they represent a significant and growing source of microplastic pollution in the environment.
Uncontrolled Disposal of Used Masks Resulting in Release of Microplastics and Co-Pollutants into Environment
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This review documented the global distribution of discarded COVID-19 masks in terrestrial and aquatic environments and quantified the microplastics they release through degradation, finding that masks generate predominantly polypropylene fibers and fragments. The co-release of chemical additives from degrading mask materials was identified as an additional pollution concern beyond the MPs themselves.
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