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Quantification of Microplastics and Phthalate Esters in Nasal Lavage Fluid of Hospital Employees after Face Mask Use
Summary
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.