We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A threat or not? A global-scale investigation on microplastics inhalation during the first-ever worldwide face-mask wearing against the COVID-19 pandemic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers built a custom inhalation simulator to test whether wearing face masks increases or decreases microplastic inhalation. They conducted measurements across different mask types and found that while masks do release some microplastic fibers, they generally provide net protection by filtering out airborne particles. The study provides evidence that mask-wearing during the pandemic likely reduced, rather than increased, overall microplastic inhalation.
A spike in public attention on whether wearing masks will increase microplastics (MPs) inhalation has recently been triggered by the major transformation in widespread masking in public ever since the pandemic. To timely address this question and provide reliable insights for public health recommendations, mask users, and producers, we developed a platform based on a custom inhalation simulator, and conducted comparative measurements to investigate masks as both a source of MP release and a barrier to MP inhalation. We examined 209 mask brands from 46 countries/regions, covering multiple filtration and quality levels. Our kinetic study revealed that MP leaching primarily occurs during the initial period of wearing a new mask. Subsequently, masks act as a barrier, reducing MP inhalation compared to not wearing a mask. Hence, frequently changing masks or using masks from unproper manufacture process may not be a wise choice. We also observed significant variations in MP inhalation character among different quality levels and brands, indicating the need of future safety standards to this end. Overall, the estimated worldwide inhalation of MPs during the pandemic office hours is 1.16 times that of the pre-pandemic era. However, the impact of MP inhalation could be changed by wearing masks with higher filtration grade (and better quality). For instance, if everyone were to wear FFP-3 masks, a 28.8% reduction in MP inhalation would be expected compared to not wearing a mask.
More Papers Like This
COVID-19: Performance study of microplastic inhalation risk posed by wearing masks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how different types of face masks affect the risk of inhaling microplastics during breathing. They found that while masks generally reduce exposure to granular microplastics, surgical, cotton, and activated carbon masks can increase fiber-like microplastic inhalation, and reusing disinfected masks raises particle exposure further. N95 masks offered the best protection, reducing spherical microplastic inhalation risk by over 25 times compared to wearing no mask.
Exudation of microplastics from commonly used face masks in COVID-19 pandemic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers simulated real-world mask usage and found that commonly used face masks — including surgical and cloth types — shed measurable quantities of microplastic particles that could be inhaled by the wearer, raising concerns about respiratory exposure during prolonged mask use.
Face Mask: As a Source or Protector of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Phthalate Plasticizers?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested five types of face masks to determine whether they protect against or contribute to human inhalation of microplastics and phthalate plasticizers. They found that while masks filter out some airborne microplastics, they also release their own microplastic fibers and contain phthalate chemicals that wearers can inhale. The study suggests face masks have a dual role as both protectors and sources of microplastic and chemical exposure.
Health outcomes attributed to inhalation of microplastic released from mask during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examined how face masks worn during COVID-19 release microplastics that can be inhaled. The most common particles were polypropylene fibers smaller than 300 micrometers. Inhaled microplastics were linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and potential cancer risk. These findings highlight a lesser-known health trade-off of widespread mask use during the pandemic.
Potential Microplastic Threat: Environmental Assessment of The Face Mask Pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the environmental threat posed by face masks discarded during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that masks contain polypropylene fibers that can fragment into microplastics and persist in the environment. The study calls for better mask disposal strategies and environmental monitoring to track mask-derived microplastic pollution.
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.