We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Quantification of Microplastics and Phthalate Esters in Nasal Lavage Fluid of Hospital Employees after Face Mask Use
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastics and phthalate esters in face masks worn by 200 hospital employees and in their nasal lavage fluid before and after mask use, finding that masks — especially those used in laboratory settings — released up to 861 microplastics per mask, while mask use actually reduced nasal microplastic levels compared to unmasked conditions.
Face masks serve as protective measures against pathogens and environmental pollutants. However, microplastic and phthalate pollutants present in the structure of masks may enter the nasal passages, potentially leading to health issues. In this study, we quantified microplastics and phthalate acid esters in masks used by hospital employees in various departments and in the nasal lavage fluid of these personnel before and after mask use. There were 200 participants, and the number of used masks was 160. The results indicated that the highest levels of microplastics (861.21 MP/mask) and Σ phthalate acid esters (3578.99ng/mL) were found in used masks from the laboratory. The amount of microplastics and phthalate acid esters in both masks and nasal lavage samples in the hospital departments were ranked as Laboratory > Physiotherapy > Emergency > Endoscopy. In nasal lavage samples, the amounts of these two pollutants decreased after mask use compared to the no-mask condition. Among the target phthalate acid esters, DEHP was the most prevalent in all mask and nasal lavage samples. These findings can be used for health risk assessment purposes.
More Papers Like This
The Unseen Threat: Microplastic Emissions from Face Masks and Limited Public Awareness
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed public awareness of microplastic emissions from face masks, finding that while awareness of microplastic risks was broadly high, most respondents lacked knowledge of whether their masks contained plastic materials or the environmental consequences of improper mask disposal.
Face Masks: New Source of Microplastic Release in the Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that the massive global surge in disposable face mask use during COVID-19 introduced a significant new source of microplastic pollution, as masks made from polypropylene and polyurethane degrade and shed tiny plastic particles into the environment.
Characterization, toxicity evaluation, and mitigation strategy of micro/nanoplastics released from face masks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastic and nanoplastic particles released from face mask fabrics under mechanical stress, demonstrated developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos, and developed an iron chloride coagulation method to remove these particles from water. The study reveals that disposable face masks — widely used during COVID-19 — are an underrecognized source of micro- and nanoplastics that enter aquatic environments and pose early-life developmental risks.
Revealing the Potential Effects and Risk of Microplastics from Face Mask on Human Health and Environment: A interlink Review on COVID-19 and Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how the COVID-19 pandemic's mass use of disposable face masks created a new wave of microplastic pollution, with degrading masks releasing tiny plastic particles that overlap with the same fine particulate matter already linked to serious lung disease.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.