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Uncontrolled Disposal of Used Masks Resulting in Release of Microplastics and Co-Pollutants into Environment
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This review documented the global distribution of discarded COVID-19 masks in terrestrial and aquatic environments and quantified the microplastics they release through degradation, finding that masks generate predominantly polypropylene fibers and fragments. The co-release of chemical additives from degrading mask materials was identified as an additional pollution concern beyond the MPs themselves.
The global panic caused by COVID-19 has continued to increase people’s demand for masks. However, due to inadequate management and disposal practice, these masks have, unfortunately, entered the environment and release a large amount of microplastics (MPs), posing a serious threat to the environment and human health. Understanding the occurrence of mask waste in various environments, release of mask-origin MPs, and related environmental risk is essential to mask-waste management in current and future epidemic prevention and control. This paper focuses on the global distribution of mask waste, the potential release of waste-origin MPs, and the impact on the environment. Specifically, the physical and chemical properties of polypropylene (the most common plastic material in a mask), which show a high adsorption capacity for heavy metals and organic pollutants and play a role as a support for microbial growth, were extensively reported. In addition, several important issues that need to be resolved are raised, which offers a direction for future research. This review focuses on the essentiality of handling masks to avoid potential environmental issues.
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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.
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This review examined how the massive global use of disposable face masks during COVID-19 has created a significant source of microplastic pollution, with billions of masks entering the environment and releasing plastic fibers and chemical contaminants.
A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release
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This review examines the environmental threats posed by disposable face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on microplastic release. Researchers found that discarded masks undergo physical and chemical degradation in the environment, generating microplastics that contaminate both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The study provides an overview of current knowledge on microplastic extraction methods and proposes strategies for controlling mask-related plastic pollution through source reduction and improved waste management.
From Protection to Pollution: The Impact of Mask Use on Micro(nano)plastic Release
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This bibliographic review found that global mask consumption during COVID-19 reached as high as 2.5 trillion single-use masks per month, with Asia as the largest consumer, and documented how improper mask disposal releases microplastics and nanoplastics into terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Potential Microplastic Threat: Environmental Assessment of The Face Mask Pollution
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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.
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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.