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Release of phthalate esters (PAEs) and microplastics (MPs) from face masks and gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Researchers found that discarded face masks and gloves both release microplastics and phthalate esters into aquatic environments, with contamination increasing over time and gloves releasing higher concentrations of phthalate chemicals.
Marine pollution with personal protective equipment (PPE) has recently gained major attention. Multiple studies reported the release of microplastics (MPs) and chemical contaminants from face masks, the most used PPE type. However, not much is known concerning the release of phthalate esters (PAEs) in aquatic media, as well as the hazard posed by other types of PPE. In the present study, we investigated the release of MPs and PAEs from face masks and gloves recovered from the environment. The results indicated that both PPEs release MPs comparable to the literature, but higher concentrations were presented by face masks. In turn, the total concentration of six PAEs was higher in gloves than in face masks. The release of these contaminants is exacerbated over time. The present study allows researchers to understand the contribution of PPE to marine pollution while accounting for gloves, a generally overlooked source of contaminants.
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Researchers characterized four types of face masks including FFP2 and surgical models and assessed the migration of microplastics and phthalate plasticizers into water under EU food-contact regulation conditions, using stereomicroscopy and chemical analysis to quantify particle morphology, count, dimensions, and phthalate concentrations released from mask materials.
COVID-19 Generated Personal Protective Equipment: Sources of Microplastics and Pathogen Vectors in Marine Environments?
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Researchers found that disposable face masks release significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles when subjected to water exposure and mechanical stress similar to environmental conditions. This confirms that the massive use of masks during COVID-19 introduced new sources of microplastic pollution into the environment.
COVID-19 disposable face masks: source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment
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Researchers investigated COVID-19 disposable face masks as a new source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment, analyzing particles released from masks submerged in water under different conditions. The masks released significant quantities of microplastic fibers and chemical additives, with quantities increasing with aging and sunlight exposure. The pandemic-era surge in disposable mask use created a new and largely unquantified pathway for plastic contamination of waterways.
An investigation into the leaching of micro and nano particles and chemical pollutants from disposable face masks - linked to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Researchers submerged seven disposable face mask brands in water to simulate environmental littering, detecting micro- and nanoscale plastic fibers, heavy metals including lead and cadmium, and plastic additive chemicals such as polyamide oligomers and surfactants leaching into the water — raising questions about both everyday safety and post-disposal pollution.
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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.