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COVID-19 face masks: A new source of human and environmental exposure to organophosphate esters
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Researchers tested COVID-19 face masks for chemical contaminants called organophosphate esters (OPEs) and found them present in all mask types, with KN95 masks containing the highest levels. While the health risk from inhaling these chemicals was calculated to be well below dangerous thresholds, the study highlights that disposing of billions of masks adds microplastics and toxic additives to the environment, making reusable masks a better option for reducing pollution.
For the first time, organophosphate ester (OPE) content was studied in different types of surgical, self-filtering (KN95, FFP2, and FFP3) and reusable face masks used for COVID-19 prevention. OPEs were detected in all mask samples, although in highly variable amounts which ranged from 0.02 to a maximum of 27.7 µg/mask, with the highest mean concentrations obtained for KN95 masks (11.6 µg/mask) and the lowest for surgical masks (0.24 µg/mask). Twelve out of 16 tested analytes were detected, with TEP, TPHP, TNBP, TEHP and TClPP being the most common OPEs as well as present at the highest concentrations. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of OPE inhalation were calculated as being always several orders of magnitude lower than threshold levels, indicating that the use of face masks is safe with regard to OPE contamination. However, given the wide range of OPEs observed in different masks, it can be concluded that some masks (e.g. reusable) are less OPE-contaminated than others (e.g. KN95). With regard to environmental pollution, the disposal of billions of face masks is adding to the already substantial levels of microplastics and associated toxic additives worldwide, an impact that is lessened by use of reusable masks, which also have the lowest economic cost per user. However, in situations of relatively high risk of viral inhalation, such as poorly ventilated indoor public spaces, we recommend the use of FFP2 masks.
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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.
Disposable surgical/medical face masks and filtering face pieces: Source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment
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Researchers tested how many microplastics and chemicals leach from disposable face masks into water, finding that filtering face pieces (like N95 masks) released 3 to 4 times more microplastic particles than standard surgical masks. The study also identified potentially harmful chemicals leaching from the masks, including bisphenol B, which had not been previously reported in mask materials. Since billions of disposable masks have been used and discarded since the pandemic, they represent a significant and growing source of microplastic pollution in the environment.
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.
Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant?
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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.
Face Mask: As a Source or Protector of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Phthalate Plasticizers?
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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.
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