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Potential health risks of microplastic fibres release from disposable surgical masks: Impact of repeated wearing and handling
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This study found that reusing disposable surgical masks causes a significant release of microplastic fibers, especially when masks are stored in pockets where friction breaks down the material. The released fibers are small enough to be inhaled into the respiratory system, raising concerns about lung health. The findings suggest that reusing disposable masks, a common practice, could be an overlooked source of microplastic inhalation exposure.
Disposable surgical masks undeniably provide important personal protection in daily life, but the potential health risks by the release of microplastic fibres from masks should command greater attention. In this study, we conducted a microplastic fibre release simulation experiment by carrying masks in a pocket and reusing them, to reveal the number and morphological changes of microfibres released. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy were employed to analyse the physical and chemical characteristics of the mask fibres. The results indicated that the reuse of disposable masks led to a significant release of microplastic fibres, potentially leading to their migration into the respiratory system. Furthermore, the release of microplastic fibres increased with prolonged external friction, particularly when masks were stored in pockets. The large-scale release of microplastic fibres due to mask reuse raises concerns about potential health risks to the human respiratory system. The reuse of disposable masks should be also strictly avoided in daily life in the future. Furthermore, the current study also established a robust foundation for future research endeavours on health risks associated with microplastic fibres entering the respiratory system through improper mask usage.
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Assessment of inhalation exposure to microplastic particles when disposable masks are repeatedly used
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Researchers assessed whether reusing disposable medical masks leads to inhalation exposure to microplastics by testing masks under simulated wearing conditions. They found that hand-rubbed new masks released approximately 1.5 times more microplastic particles than untouched ones, and reused masks released even more through physical abrasion. The predominant particles were polypropylene and polyethylene fragments, raising concerns about repeated mask use as a source of microplastic inhalation.
Disposable face masks: a direct source for inhalation of microplastics
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Using a piston device that simulated human breathing, researchers found that surgical masks release microplastic particles ranging from 300 nm to 2 mm during normal use, including nanoscale particles capable of penetrating deep lung tissue. Because surgical mask use surged during COVID-19, these findings raise serious questions about a previously unrecognized daily inhalation exposure route for microplastics.
Particles and fragments in unused disposable face masks: A microscopic analysis
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Researchers microscopically examined commercially available surgical masks and found particles and fragments in the 2–40 micrometer range on fiber surfaces inside all masks tested, raising questions about whether mask wearers may inhale these microplastic-sized particles.
Single-use surgical face masks, as a potential source of microplastics: Do they act as pollutant carriers?
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Researchers investigated whether single-use surgical face masks, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, are a potential source of microplastic fibers released into the environment. The study found that used masks entering uncontrolled waste streams can shed fibrous microplastics.
Preliminary study on the ejection of microplastics from different types of face masks
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Researchers tested surgical masks, cloth masks, and N95 respirators to see how many microplastics they release. They found that all types shed microplastic fibers, with surgical masks releasing the most particles, and that used masks shed more than unused ones. The study raises awareness that face masks, while important for health protection, are themselves a source of microplastic exposure.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.