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Smart Mask Disinfection System (SMDS)
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This paper describes the Smart Mask Disinfection System (SMDS) developed in response to increased COVID-19 face mask waste, which poses environmental hazards as discarded masks break down into microplastics in waterways. The system aims to disinfect and extend the usable life of masks, reducing both pathogen transmission risk from discarded masks and the microplastic pollution generated by single-use mask disposal.
The emergence of the human coronavirus and its potential for harm increased the number of face masks thrown away in the environment, thereby requiring urgent measures to prevent the spread of disease and control the pandemic. The germs/viruses/bacteria carried by used face masks are not only a danger to our own health, but also to the environment. They are a danger to our waterways, where they disintegrate into even smaller pieces of microplastic. When plastic breaks down, the release of chemicals also leads to ocean acidification. Sea creatures are affected when masks are mixed into the sea, causing water pollution. Marine animals, birds and other wildlife could easily choke and die when they mistakenly eat personal protective equipment (PPE) for food. When people touch their face mask during disposal, microorganisms like virus/bacteria in the mask easily spread through their hands. Therefore, immediate disinfection is needed. Mask litter has polluted public spaces, forests, sidewalks, and city streets. According to reports, wildlife has been caught in the elastic straps found on most plastic and disposable face masks. Irresponsibly throwing away used face masks leads to the spread of viruses and infections through the air, which may lead to an increase in people getting infected. If not properly disposed of, face masks worn by the general population could also be a source of infection for sanitation workers. This shows how much we are in need of disinfection. For this reason, we have proposed a new disinfection system which is used to collect and disinfect all the masks using hands-free equipment for the safety of users. In our disinfection system, all three systems are integrated, including disinfecting masks using rubbing alcohol and disinfecting air, water and non-porous surfaces using ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation; sanitizing the hands of a person; and checking the person's temperature using an infrared thermometer. Our mask disinfection system will play an important role in keeping the environment clean and free of pollution and prevent spreading of viruses during a pandemic like COVID-19.
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