A recent research study showed that the surge in the use of disposable face masks during the Covid pandemic has left a chemical timebomb that contributes to environmental degradation.
Based on recent research, the massive increase in the use of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant environmental concern.
The masks, which are made of microplastics, and chemical additives are not biodegradable.
However, the equipment, which was supposed to protect people’s health, poses a serious risk to health, specifically for future generations.
According to an estimate, approximately 129 billion disposable masks are being used every month all across the globe.
These masks, particularly made from plastic polymers, like polypropylene have become a major source of pollution.
While no recycling stream exists for single-use face masks, they end up in landfill or as litter in streets, beaches or parks where they begin to degrade.
A recent report has documented a significant presence of these masks in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Bogush and her co-author Ivan Kourtchev determined how many microplastics were released from face masks by simply placing them in water and not moving them at all.
In an experiment, researchers submerged newly bought masks of several different kinds for 24 hours to stimulate environmental conditions.
The liquid was then filtered to examine its contents, and the results showed that all types of masks tested, released pollutants.
Each mask, examined by Bogush and Kourtchev leached microplastics, but it was the FFP2 and FFP3 masks that leached the most.
Moreover, FFP2 and FFP3 masks were marketed as the gold standard protection against the specific transmission of the virus and released to four to six times more microplastics than other masks.
Researchers made a concerning discovery during a chemical analysis. Results showed that the masks released bisphenol B, a chemical that disrupts the endocrine system.
These findings will contribute to highlighting a potential long-term risk associated with environmental contamination disseminated from discarded face masks.