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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)
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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.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to the enforcement of stringent measures to prevent the transmission of the severe lung illness it causes. However, there's growing concern about the environmental impact of these measures. Moreover, fine particulate matter, namely PM2.5 that harms lung health, especially after a pandemic, is a crucial contributor to the spread of the virus. In addition, microplastics and nano-plastics are released due to the breakdown of disposed face masks in nature, a process that is still poorly understood because of limited studies. Additionally, the spread of toxins from discarded face masks through air pollutants like PM2.5 and their detrimental effects on the ecosystem, including direct toxicity to human beings, the food chain, aquatic life, and companion animals, are taken into consideration. This review paper investigates analytical techniques and possible approaches to reduce the spread of discarded face masks and the contaminants they carry, while recognising the difficulties in tackling this intricate problem. By comprehending the interplay between face masks, COVID-19, and PM2.5, we may get a deeper knowledge of the repercussions and strive to reduce their detrimental impact on health and the environment by taking educated preventative steps. In conclusion, minimizing face masks' detrimental impact on human health, minimizing environmental pollution, and maintaining public health management depends on recognizing the possible hazards and taking necessary precautions.
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The Unseen Threat: Microplastic Emissions from Face Masks and Limited Public Awareness
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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
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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.
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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.
Facemask and PPE (COVID-19)-Associated Micro- and Nanoplastic Wastes—Study of Cause and Effect
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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.
Microplastic Pollution: Occurrence, Sources and Impact of COVID-19 Generated Waste
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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.
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