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 Social Dynamics of Face Masks as Single-Use Waste from the COVID-19 Pandemic
ClearThe Massive Misuse of Face Mask as a Risk to COVID-19 Pandemic in Latin American: The Case of Mexico
Researchers examined face mask waste mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico and Latin America, finding that inadequate waste management infrastructure, poor public compliance, and high single-use mask consumption created significant environmental contamination risks in already strained waste systems.
Predictions of hazardous plastic waste amounts based on disposable face mask wearing habits
Researchers surveyed Lithuanian public attitudes toward face mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic and used the data to predict the amounts of hazardous plastic waste generated from disposable mask usage, finding a troubling proportion of the population resisted mandates despite infection control rationale.
Virtual Methodology for Household Waste Characterization During The Pandemic in An Urban District of Peru: Citizen Science for Waste Management
Researchers developed a citizen science-based virtual methodology for household waste characterization during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lima, Peru, finding a per capita decrease in total waste but a slight increase in plastic fraction, while estimating that each participant generated approximately 0.12 masks per day.
Disposal Behavior of Used Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Moroccan Community: Potential Environmental Impact
Researchers surveyed face mask disposal behavior in two major Moroccan regions during the COVID-19 pandemic and estimated the volume of mask waste generated. They found that over five million masks per day, equivalent to roughly 40,000 kg, were being discarded in the studied regions alone. The study highlights the significant environmental risk posed by pandemic-related plastic waste, which can break down into microplastics in both land and marine environments.
Water, sanitation, hygiene and waste disposal practices as COVID-19 response strategy: insights from Bangladesh
Researchers surveyed WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) behaviors and COVID-19 protective equipment disposal practices in Bangladesh, finding that while most respondents had good sanitation access and used face masks, over 50% disposed of used masks and gloves with regular household waste — creating a potentially serious microplastic and infectious waste pollution pathway.
Review of the valorization options for the proper disposal of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers reviewed waste management options for the surge in discarded polypropylene face masks during COVID-19, finding that improper disposal contributes directly to microplastic pollution, and proposing valorization strategies — including energy recovery and material upcycling — tailored to country-level infrastructure and emergency conditions.
A Descriptive Analytical Study to Assess the Knowledge and Practice of Proper Face Mask Wearing among Healthcare Professionals, Patients and Attendants in a Tertiary Care Center of North India
Researchers conducted a descriptive study assessing healthcare workers' knowledge and practice of proper face mask disposal during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, finding widespread improper disposal practices including littering and mixing with general waste. The study identifies training gaps and recommends clearer disposal guidelines to prevent face masks from entering the environment as a microplastic source.
Generation, disposal and impact of facemasks used during the Covid-19 pandemic in Lima in 2022
A study of face mask use and disposal in Lima, Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic found that large quantities of masks were being improperly disposed of, creating a significant new source of microplastic pollution. Surgical masks contain polypropylene fibers that fragment into microplastics when they degrade in the environment.
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.
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.
“You need to dispose of them somewhere safe”: Covid-19, masks, and the pit latrine in Malawi and South Africa
This study examined the practical challenges of disposing of COVID-19 face masks in Malawi and South Africa, where many communities rely on pit latrines rather than formal waste collection systems, and found that safe disposal guidance was often impractical or absent. The study highlights how pandemic-driven mask waste disproportionately burdens low-income communities with inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
Understanding Level of Pkk Banjar Purwa Santhi Benoa on Medical Mask Waste Management and Strengthening Health Protocols in Controlling COVID-19 Infection
Researchers assessed community understanding of single-use medical mask waste management in Bali, Indonesia during COVID-19, finding gaps in knowledge that raise concerns about both environmental pollution and continued virus transmission from improper disposal.
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.
Face masks as environmental risk: An observational study using street - Survey in Hisar District of Haryana State
Researchers conducted an observational field survey of littered face masks in 10 localities across Hisar District, Haryana, India, quantifying the density of discarded personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found an overall density of 0.81 masks per 100 square meters, with 52% being single-use surgical masks containing plastic, highlighting improper disposal as a growing source of plastic pollution in developing countries.
Comparative Analysis of Face Mask Usage and Environmental Impact in Asian Cities during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
This comparative analysis examined face mask usage patterns and their environmental impact across Asian cities, estimating the volume of mask waste generated and the resulting microplastic and fiber pollution from improper disposal.
The Role of Women in Management of Mask Waste in Indonesia in the Era of the Covid-19 Pandemic
This study examined the role of women in managing disposable mask waste during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, finding that women played a critical role in household waste sorting and proper disposal that reduce environmental contamination.
Personal protective equipment use during COVID-19 pandemic and associated waste management in households in Sri Lanka
Researchers estimated that COVID-19 PPE use in Sri Lanka generates approximately 88.5 tonnes of plastic waste daily, with 55% of facemasks disposed via open burning at homes, and identified major gaps in PPE waste management infrastructure while proposing pyrolysis-based energy recovery strategies.
Behaviors and attitudes concerning disposable masks and the environment: A D.C. high school case study
This case study examined high school students' behaviors and attitudes toward disposable mask disposal during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding widespread environmental contamination with masks that shed microplastics. The study highlights the gap between students' environmental awareness and their actual disposal behaviors.
Cubrebocas, residuos en sitios turísticos de Nayarit, México.
Researchers collected discarded face mask waste at five tourist sites in Nayarit, Mexico over five months, finding higher quantities in urban areas and more adult-sized masks than child-sized ones. The study raises concern about face masks as a source of environmental plastic pollution, since the materials used in masks can degrade into microplastics.
Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of college students in disposing used masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in DKI Jakarta Province
Not relevant to microplastics — this study surveys knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of Jakarta college students regarding disposal of used face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, without addressing microplastic contamination from masks.
Community practices of face mask use and associated knowledge and attitude in a Malaysian town during the COVID-19 pandemic
This survey studied face mask use practices and related knowledge and attitudes in a Malaysian town during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study offers insights into pandemic-related behavior with implications for managing the surge in mask-related plastic waste.
Education Webinar Increaces The Knowledge of The Mask Waste Management During COVID-19 Pandemic
Researchers evaluated the effect of an education webinar on knowledge about proper face mask waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that the intervention significantly increased participant awareness of the environmental risks of improper mask disposal, including microplastic contamination and pathogen transmission.
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.
Public Handling of Protective Masks from Use to Disposal and Recycling Options to New Products
This paper examines how disposable surgical masks — widely used during the pandemic — are being disposed of and their environmental impacts, including the release of microplastic fibers. The authors discuss recycling options and the public's current relationship with mask waste.