We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Health outcomes attributed to inhalation of microplastic released from mask during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
ClearExudation of microplastics from commonly used face masks in COVID-19 pandemic
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.
Microplastics release from face masks: Characteristics, influential factors, and potential risks
This review found that disposable face masks, used widely since the COVID-19 pandemic, release microplastics -- mostly transparent fibers smaller than 1 millimeter -- especially after UV exposure, extended wear, and disinfection for reuse. The health risk of inhaling these mask-derived microplastics directly into the lungs should not be overlooked, particularly for healthcare workers and others who wear masks for long periods.
A threat or not? A global-scale investigation on microplastics inhalation during the first-ever worldwide face-mask wearing against the COVID-19 pandemic
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.
Disposable face masks: a direct source for inhalation of microplastics
Using a piston device that simulated human breathing, researchers found that surgical masks release microplastic particles ranging from 300 nm to 2 mm during normal use, including nanoscale particles capable of penetrating deep lung tissue. Because surgical mask use surged during COVID-19, these findings raise serious questions about a previously unrecognized daily inhalation exposure route for microplastics.
Particles and fragments in unused disposable face masks: A microscopic analysis
Researchers microscopically examined commercially available surgical masks and found particles and fragments in the 2–40 micrometer range on fiber surfaces inside all masks tested, raising questions about whether mask wearers may inhale these microplastic-sized particles.
Need for Assessing the Inhalation of Micro(nano)plastic Debris Shed from Masks, Respirators, and Home-Made Face Coverings During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Researchers raised concerns about potential inhalation of micro- and nanoplastic particles shed from face masks and respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting a gap in existing quality standards. They called for regulatory attention to respirable plastic debris from protective equipment.
COVID-19: Performance study of microplastic inhalation risk posed by wearing masks
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.
The potential toxicity of microplastics on human health
This review summarizes the latest evidence on how microplastics enter the human body and cause toxic effects, with growing concern since the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased exposure through disposable masks. Microplastics have now been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta, and feces, and research suggests they may cause harm through inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of normal cell function.
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.
Breathing under siege: a narrative review on the potential biological mechanisms linking micro- and nanoplastic exposure to lung diseases
This narrative review examines how inhaled micro- and nanoplastics from indoor and outdoor air — including from synthetic textiles and face masks — can trigger lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis, and outlines proposed mechanisms linking plastic inhalation to respiratory disease.
Assessment of inhalation exposure to microplastic particles when disposable masks are repeatedly used
Researchers assessed whether reusing disposable medical masks leads to inhalation exposure to microplastics by testing masks under simulated wearing conditions. They found that hand-rubbed new masks released approximately 1.5 times more microplastic particles than untouched ones, and reused masks released even more through physical abrasion. The predominant particles were polypropylene and polyethylene fragments, raising concerns about repeated mask use as a source of microplastic inhalation.
Uncovering the Release of Micro/nanoplastics from Disposable Face Masks at Times of COVID-19
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.
Overview on the occurrence of microplastics in air and implications from the use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
This review summarizes current knowledge about microplastic occurrence in indoor and outdoor air, finding that indoor environments often contain higher concentrations due to the breakdown of synthetic textiles, furniture, and construction materials. Researchers also examined how face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic may both reduce inhalation of airborne microplastics and introduce new microfiber sources from the masks themselves. The study highlights significant gaps in understanding the health risks of breathing in airborne microplastic particles.
Microplastics inhalation and their effects on human health: a systematic review
This systematic review examines how breathing in microplastics affects human health. It finds that airborne microplastics can reach the lungs and may trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and respiratory issues, with workers in textile and plastic industries facing the highest exposure levels.
Identification of Microplastics and Non-Microplastics Released from Masks under Environmental Conditions
Researchers found that single-use surgical masks worn during the COVID-19 pandemic release microplastics under environmental stress, with UV exposure generating the most particles (approximately 120 items per mask), followed by mechanical abrasion and high-temperature exposure.
Investigating the current status of COVID-19 related plastics and their potential impact on human health
This review examines how the COVID-19 pandemic increased human exposure to microplastics through the widespread use of plastic-based personal protective equipment like disposable face masks and gloves. Researchers found that face masks release microplastics that can be directly inhaled during use or transported through the environment, potentially carrying chemical contaminants and pathogens. The study highlights the need for more research on the health effects of PPE-derived microplastic exposure.
Evaluation of Fiber and Debris Release from Protective COVID-19 Mask Textiles and in Vitro Acute Cytotoxicity Effects.
Researchers quantified fiber and particle debris released from textile-based face masks and surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic using both liquid and air extraction methods, finding that cotton-based textiles released up to 29,452 fibers per gram under liquid extraction while synthetic textiles released up to 1,030 fibers per gram. The study assessed the potential for inhaled mask debris to cause acute cytotoxic effects, raising questions about respiratory health implications of prolonged mask wear.
Face masks as a source of nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment: Quantification, characterization, and potential for bioaccumulation
Researchers found that each surgical or N95 face mask can release over one billion nanoplastic and microplastic particles, mostly smaller than one micrometer, when they break down. The study also detected microplastics in the nasal mucus of mask wearers, suggesting inhalation exposure during use. Additionally, mask-derived particles were shown to adsorb onto marine organisms across different levels of the food chain, raising concerns about both human health and environmental impacts.
Face Mask: As a Source or Protector of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Phthalate Plasticizers?
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.
Microplastics/nanoplastics released from facemasks as contaminants of emerging concern
This review examines how disposable facemasks, made primarily from polypropylene and polyethylene, release microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment. Chemical, physical, and biological processes break down discarded masks into tiny plastic particles that persist in ecosystems. Given the billions of masks used during COVID-19, this represents a significant and growing source of microplastic pollution.
Wearing Face Masks as a Potential Source for Inhalation and Oral Uptake of Inanimate Toxins: a Scoping Review
Researchers conducted a scoping review of 1,003 studies examining face masks as a potential source of inanimate toxin exposure, assessing evidence on chemical compounds and particulates — including microplastics — that may be released from masks during inhalation and oral contact during prolonged wear.
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.
Unraveling the potential human health risks from used disposable face mask-derived micro/nanoplastics during the COVID-19 pandemic scenario: A critical review
This review examines the potential human health risks from micro- and nanoplastics released by disposable face masks as they degrade in the environment. Researchers found that mask-derived particles may cause gastrointestinal, lung, liver, and neurological toxicity, and can also carry toxic chemicals and pathogens through food chains. The study calls for advanced human organoid models to better assess these risks and urges development of eco-friendly strategies to reduce mask-related plastic pollution.
Nasal lavage technique reveals regular inhalation exposure of microplastics, not associated from face mask use
Researchers used nasal lavage, a technique that rinses the nasal cavity, to measure microplastics that people inhale during normal daily activities. They found an average of about 28 microplastic particles per sample across all participants, with eight different polymer types detected. Notably, the study found no significant difference in microplastic levels between different types of face masks, suggesting that everyday environmental exposure is the primary source of inhaled microplastics rather than mask materials.