We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
COVID-19 감염병 확산에 따른 일회용 마스크의 적정 관리 방안 연구
Summary
This Korean study examined the management problems with single-use face masks discarded during COVID-19, finding that masks contain microplastic components such as polypropylene fibers that can persist in the environment. The study called for better disposal protocols to prevent mask-derived microplastics from entering ecosystems.
This study examined the current management and problems of discarded single-use masks in Korea during COVID- 19. Field visits have been made to identify potential problems associated with the disposal of single-use face masks. We analyzed a total of 32 discarded single-use face masks and newly made singe-use face masks for material composition and characteristics. Based on this study, there were more than 6.7 billion single-use masks manufactured in 2020, indicating that more than six times higher than the production of the masks in 2019 due to COVID-19 pandemic. The average use of single-use face masks per person was found to be 130 masks/yr, which is equivalent to 6.7 billion masks/yr in 2020 in Korea. After the collection of the used masks, the large fraction of discarded masks was incinerated (14,961 ton or 3.8 billion masks) and landfilled (8,056 ton or 2.1 billion masks). Only approximately 1% of the discarded masks from households was improperly disposed on streets, parks, roads, shopping carts, rivers and streams, and other environment. Improper disposal of such masks may pose a threat to humans, animals, and other ecological receptors because of potential spread of virus, the occurrence of microplastics and their non-biodegradable characteristics. Technical development of biodegradable face masks has been made from scientific community to reduce plastic pollution from single-use face masks. However, more research is still needed to warrant the safety, biodegradability, waste management, and economic factors of the eco-friendly face masks. Waste minimization and prevention of single-use face masks is a challenging task due to the preference of the mask to consumers over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Facemasks: A Looming Microplastic Crisis
Single-use disposable face masks were shown to shed microplastic fibers during use and degradation, with billions of masks improperly discarded globally during the COVID-19 pandemic entering aquatic environments and releasing polypropylene and polyurethane fibers, adding a new and large-scale source of microplastic contamination.
Single-use surgical face masks, as a potential source of microplastics: Do they act as pollutant carriers?
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.
The COVID-19 pandemic face mask waste: A blooming threat to the marine environment.
This review examines how single-use face masks — billions of which were discarded during the COVID-19 pandemic — contribute to microplastic and microfiber pollution in marine environments when improperly disposed of. The pandemic created a massive new source of plastic pollution, with masks breaking down into microplastics and releasing chemical contaminants in the ocean.
A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release
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.
Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant?
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.