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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Research on Design Strategy of Mask Recycling Service Based on Behavior Environment
ClearEco-design Actions to Improve Life Cycle Environmental Performance of Face Masks in the Pandemic Era
This study evaluated the environmental impact of single-use face masks throughout their life cycle and proposed eco-design strategies to reduce their footprint. The massive increase in disposable mask use during COVID-19 generated significant plastic waste and potential microplastic pollution.
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.
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.
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.
COVID-19 감염병 확산에 따른 일회용 마스크의 적정 관리 방안 연구
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.
Domestic Facemask Waste Policy Based on Environmental Ethics in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Urgency and Challenges
This paper argues that the mass disposal of face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic created a new source of plastic and microplastic pollution, and calls for environmental ethics-based policy frameworks to govern mask waste management.
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.
Face Masks to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Processing, Roles, Requirements, Efficacy, Risk and Sustainability
This review examines the materials, manufacturing methods, and effectiveness of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of which are made from non-biodegradable plastics like polypropylene and polyester. Researchers found that while masks are effective at reducing virus transmission, their widespread use and improper disposal have created a significant environmental concern as they break down into microplastics. The study calls for more sustainable mask materials and better waste management strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of pandemic-related plastic waste.
Recycling of disposable single-use face masks to mitigate microfiber pollution
Researchers mechanically recycled discarded disposable face masks into polypropylene-cotton blended fabrics, demonstrating an 83% reduction in microfiber release across the product lifecycle compared to masks, though complete elimination of fiber shedding was not achievable due to the inherent properties of textile materials.
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.
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.
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.
Disposable Face-Mask Waste Management and Assessment Through Willingness to Pay and SWOT Framework in Post COVID-19 Pandemic
This study used willingness-to-pay surveys and SWOT analysis to understand how people in post-COVID contexts value disposable mask waste management. Participants showed moderate willingness to pay for proper mask disposal services. Since COVID masks are made of polypropylene, better mask waste management reduces their contribution to microplastic pollution in the environment.
Determinants of Face Mask Waste Management as a Health Behavior to Protect the Environment
A survey of Indonesian parents found that most people have sufficient knowledge and a supportive attitude toward proper face mask disposal, yet lack access to dedicated disposal infrastructure such as mask waste bins or waste banks. Since disposable masks are made primarily of polypropylene, improper disposal contributes to microplastic formation in the environment. The study identifies access and structural barriers — not just awareness — as the key obstacles to preventing mask-derived microplastic pollution.
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.
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.
Smart Mask Disinfection System (SMDS)
This paper describes the Smart Mask Disinfection System (SMDS) developed in response to increased COVID-19 face mask waste, which poses environmental hazards as discarded masks break down into microplastics in waterways. The system aims to disinfect and extend the usable life of masks, reducing both pathogen transmission risk from discarded masks and the microplastic pollution generated by single-use mask disposal.
Social Dynamics of Face Masks as Single-Use Waste from the COVID-19 Pandemic
A Latin American survey found that 35% of respondents mixed face mask waste with household trash, and 61.5% were unaware of any COVID-19 waste management plan. The study highlights how lack of public knowledge about proper mask disposal led to inadequate waste management with potential environmental and public health consequences.
The 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.
A Novel Face Masks and it’s Utility during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review
This review examines the technical specifications, materials, and engineering advances of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, including both commercial and homemade options. Researchers discuss the environmental impact of disposable masks, noting that their widespread use has contributed to microplastic pollution as mask materials degrade. The study highlights the need for mask designs that balance effective viral protection with reduced environmental contamination.
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.
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.
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.
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.