We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Facemask and PPE (COVID-19)-Associated Micro- and Nanoplastic Wastes—Study of Cause and Effect
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigate how the surge in single-use face masks and personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic became a significant new source of micro- and nanoplastic pollution, tracing the environmental pathways from widespread PPE disposal to contamination of ecosystems.
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, necessitated widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate viral transmission. Facemasks, gloves, and other PPE items became essential for healthcare workers and the general public, leading to...
More Papers Like This
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.
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.
Microplastic Pollution: Occurrence, Sources and Impact of COVID-19 Generated Waste
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased microplastic pollution through mass disposal of masks, gloves, and other single-use items, examining the cascading effects on ecosystems and human health.
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.
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.