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 Masks and the scourge of microplastic pollution
ClearFace 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.
Covid-19 face masks: A potential source of microplastic fibers in the environment
This commentary highlights that the massive global increase in disposable face mask production during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant new source of microplastic fiber pollution, as mask materials shed synthetic fibers into the environment.
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.
From Protection to Pollution: The Impact of Mask Use on Micro(nano)plastic Release
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.
Microplastics from face masks: A potential hazard post Covid-19 pandemic
Researchers quantified the annual face mask usage and associated plastic waste across 36 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, estimating total annual mask usage exceeding 1.5 million tonnes and associated plastic waste of approximately 4.2 million tonnes. The study highlights that global COVID-19 responses substantially increased environmental microplastic burdens from single-use face mask disposal.
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.
Impact of coronavirus pandemic litters on microfiber pollution—effect of personal protective equipment and disposable face masks
Researchers reviewed microfiber pollution arising from disposable and reusable face masks and personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that synthetic fiber shedding through littering, laundry, and disinfection represents a significant and undercharacterized addition to global microplastic pollution loads.
Global face mask pollution: threats to the environment and wildlife, and potential solutions
Researchers reviewed the global face mask pollution crisis following COVID-19, estimating massive production volumes and finding that most disposal pathways generate secondary microplastic pollution or toxic emissions, and proposing countermeasures including biodegradable mask development and improved waste management policy.
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.
Lockdown Litter: A critical analysis of global COVID-19 PPE litter and measures for mitigation
This global analysis examined the scale and distribution of COVID-19 PPE litter, finding evidence of significant plastic pollution from masks, gloves, and wipes discarded during the pandemic. Improperly disposed PPE is expected to fragment into microplastics that will persist in the environment for decades.
Understanding the environmental impacts of facemasks: a review on the facemask industry and existing life cycle assessment studies
This review examined the environmental life cycle impacts of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that the surge in mask production and disposal created a significant new source of plastic waste and microplastic pollution globally.
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.
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.
Surgical face masks as a potential source for microplastic pollution in the COVID-19 scenario
Researchers investigated how disposable surgical face masks, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, could become a significant new source of microplastic pollution. The study notes that masks made of polymeric materials can release microplastic fibers into aquatic environments where they may be ingested by fish and other organisms. The findings suggest that face mask waste deserves focused attention as a microplastic source, including better waste management systems.
Effects of masks on marine animals
Discarded COVID-19 face masks entering the ocean pose multiple threats to marine life, including entanglement, ingestion, and fragmentation into microplastic fibres. The paper outlines the scale of the problem and proposes policy and individual-behaviour responses, underscoring how pandemic-era single-use plastic waste created a new and rapid source of marine microplastic contamination.
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.
Used disposable face masks are significant sources of microplastics to environment
Researchers evaluated whether disposable face masks release microplastics into water and found that used masks released significantly more particles than new ones, increasing from about 183 particles per piece for new masks to much higher levels after use. The study suggests that the massive increase in disposable mask consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic has made improperly discarded masks a significant new source of microplastic pollution.
Mascarillas faciales: contaminación ambiental, efectos toxicológicos, posibles soluciones y políticas globales
This review examined the environmental contamination, toxicological effects, and global policy responses related to face mask pollution generated during the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting how the surge in mask use following the WHO declaration created a new source of plastic waste and microplastic pollution.
Uncontrolled Disposal of Used Masks Resulting in Release of Microplastics and Co-Pollutants into Environment
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.
Neglected microplastics pollution in global COVID-19: Disposable surgical masks
Researchers found that disposable surgical masks release approximately 360 microplastic particles in still water, with the number increasing significantly under agitation or when exposed to detergents and alcohol. After just two months of natural weathering, the masks became fragile enough to potentially release billions of microplastic fibers upon entering water. The study highlights that pandemic-related mask waste represents a substantial and largely overlooked new source of microplastic pollution.
Facemask: a Subtle Topic of Microplastic Induced Health and Environmental Concern in Bangladesh During COVID-19
This editorial raises awareness about the microplastic pollution risks posed by widespread face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, where large quantities of single-use and reusable masks are discarded daily. Mask waste adds to the stream of microplastic pollution in the environment through fragmentation and leaching of synthetic fibers.
Review on personal protective equipment: Emerging concerns in micro(nano)plastic pollution and strategies for addressing environmental challenges
This review examines how the massive increase in disposable masks, gloves, and other protective equipment during COVID-19 has become a major new source of microplastic pollution. An estimated 1.6 million tons of plastic waste per day was generated from discarded protective equipment, and as this gear breaks down, it releases micro- and nanoplastic particles into soil and water. These particles can accumulate in seafood and other organisms, creating another pathway for human microplastic exposure.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) disposal during COVID-19: An emerging source of microplastic and microfiber pollution in the environment
This review examines how discarded personal protective equipment from the COVID-19 pandemic has become a new source of microplastic and microfiber pollution. Researchers found that single-use masks, gloves, and other PPE break down into tiny plastic particles that contaminate water, soil, and air. The study highlights the environmental trade-off of pandemic safety measures and calls for better waste management strategies for healthcare materials.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Microplastic Pollution
This review links the COVID-19 pandemic to a surge in microplastic pollution driven by increased production and disposal of personal protective equipment including masks and gloves. The authors document how pandemic-related plastic waste entered terrestrial and aquatic environments and argue for circular economy strategies to prevent future public health crises from amplifying plastic pollution.