Ethan Clarke
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the use of face masks, with billions being used daily across the globe. While masks are an important and necessary measure for controlling the pandemic, they also pose certain risks. One of the adverse effects of mask usage is exposure to microplastics. Nearly all types of masks, including surgical masks, use some kind of plastic material, which can result in the inhalation of microplastics released from the fabric. This has led to concerns about the environmental impact of disposable masks, with calls for stronger government guidance to encourage the use of reusable masks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do surgical masks contain plastic? | Yes, surgical masks contain plastic, including polypropylene and polyethylene. |
| Types of surgical masks | Black surgical masks, 3-ply surgical masks, 2-ply surgical masks |
| Risks | Inhalation of microplastics, exposure to harmful substances, discomfort, difficulty breathing or seeing, higher cost |
| Impact on the environment | Single-use surgical masks contribute to plastic waste, harming wildlife and introducing microplastics into the food chain |
| Alternatives | Reusable cloth masks are a more environmentally friendly option that can also be more comfortable |
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What You'll Learn
Surgical masks are made of plastic
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the use of billions of masks globally every day. While masks are an important and necessary measure to control the pandemic, they also pose some inherent risks. One of the adverse effects of prolonged mask usage is exposure to microplastics. Nearly all types of masks use some kind of plastic material, and the use of masks could potentially result in the inhalation of microplastics released from the fabric/material of the masks.
Surgical masks are fabricated from synthetic or natural polymers or their composites, which are mostly polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), glass papers, and woollen felt. The middle layer of surgical masks is made from melt-blown fabric, which is a type of plastic that electrostatically filters out virus particles. Meltblown polypropylene is used as the middle layer of many certified medical masks and in the manufacture of respirators such as N95s. It filters very well but is not intended to be washed.
Due to the plastic content in surgical masks, environmental groups have raised concerns about the enormous plastic waste caused by disposable masks. They have urged governments to encourage the use of reusable, washable face coverings to reduce plastic waste. The RSPCA, for example, is encouraging people with disposable masks to "snip the straps" after use to prevent animals from getting caught in them.
It is important to note that the inhalation of microplastics from surgical masks may have potential health risks. Studies have found that all types of commonly used masks exude microplastics in the thousands, and the number of microplastics increases with multiple uses. Therefore, it is recommended to dispose of surgical masks after one use or reuse them safely without washing to minimize the risk of infection.
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Potential health risks of inhaling microplastics
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the use of face masks, with billions of masks being used daily across the globe. While this is an important and necessary measure to control the pandemic, it also poses certain risks. One of these risks is the potential inhalation of microplastics released from the mask materials. Surgical masks, one of the most commonly used types of masks, are fabricated from synthetic or natural polymers or their composites, which are mostly polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).
Surgical masks, N95 masks, and cloth masks were all found to exude microplastics in the thousands, with the number increasing with repeated use. This is a cause for concern as exposure to airborne microplastics can occur through inhalation, skin pore penetration, and ingestion of contaminated food. The characteristics of microplastics, such as their large specific surface areas and hydrophobic nature, make them a potentially dangerous vector for toxic chemicals and pathogens.
The health risks associated with inhaling microplastics are not yet fully understood. However, studies have shown that microplastics can enter the respiratory system and reach the deepest parts of the lungs. From there, they may be transferred to lung tissue and potentially to internal organs and the vascular system. Inhalation exposure to microplastics may also act as carriers for additives and environmental chemicals, posing additional risks to human health.
Furthermore, microplastics have been linked to respiratory and lung diseases among workers in factories using synthetic fibers. While the impact of microplastics on human health is still being researched, it is clear that their presence in the environment and the potential for human exposure is a cause for concern. Regulators are encouraged to reduce plastic production and phase out hazardous chemicals to mitigate the risks associated with airborne microplastics.
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Environmental impact of disposable masks
Disposable masks have become an indispensable part of our daily routines, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While they are convenient and immediately available, disposable masks have a significant environmental impact that is often overlooked. This impact is profound and multifaceted, causing harm to both the environment and wildlife.
Disposable masks are primarily made from polypropylene, a type of plastic that does not biodegrade. This means that once discarded, these masks can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, gradually breaking down into smaller plastic particles known as microplastics. These microplastics can contaminate soil and water, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the use of face masks up to billions of masks per day globally, resulting in an enormous amount of plastic waste.
The improper disposal of masks is a common problem, with many masks ending up as litter in streets, parks, and waterways. This littering not only pollutes the environment but also poses a risk to wildlife and public health. Masks that are not properly disposed of can make their way into oceans and waterways through storm drains and rivers, and ocean currents can carry them great distances, spreading the pollution far and wide. Marine life can become tangled in the masks or ingest the plastic, which can introduce more microplastics into the sea and the food chain.
To reduce the environmental impact of disposable masks, individuals can switch to using reusable masks, such as washable cloth masks or reusable N95 masks with filters. Reusable masks do not need to be replaced as frequently as disposable ones, making them a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. Additionally, individuals can sew or make their own masks at a small cost, reducing the waste produced by disposable masks. Properly disposing of used disposable masks is also essential, ensuring they are put in waste bins and not dumped outdoors, where they can become litter.
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Reusable masks as an alternative
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the use of face masks, with billions of disposable masks being used every day globally. While masks are necessary to control the pandemic, they also pose some risks. One of the adverse effects of using disposable masks is exposure to microplastics. Most disposable masks are made from plastic materials like polypropylene and polyethylene, which can break up into microplastics and be ingested by wildlife or introduced into the food chain. This has led to concerns about the environmental impact of disposable masks, with environmental groups noting that single-use masks are often dumped outdoors, causing plastic waste and blighting towns and the countryside.
Reusable masks are an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable masks. They can be made from materials like cotton, nylon, or polyester, and can be washed and reused multiple times. This reduces the amount of waste generated by single-use masks and also saves money in the long run. Reusable masks are available in a variety of styles, colours, and patterns, making them a more fashionable option than disposable masks. In addition, some reusable masks have features like adjustable straps, breathable fabric, and built-in filters, which make them more comfortable and effective to wear.
There are some concerns about the potential for reusable masks to harbour bacteria if they are not washed properly. However, this risk can be mitigated by following recommended cleaning and maintenance guidelines. For example, the UK government has published guidance on how to safely wash and dispose of reusable masks.
Overall, reusable masks are a more sustainable and cost-effective option than disposable masks. By investing in a reusable mask, individuals can play a role in reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment, while still adhering to public health guidelines.
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Proper disposal of masks
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased use of face masks, with billions being used every day globally. While masks are important and necessary to control the pandemic, they also pose some risks and have caused enormous plastic waste. Masks are made from plastic polymers, such as polypropylene, and can result in the inhalation of microplastics.
The proper disposal of masks is, therefore, crucial. Masks should be treated as medical waste, as they contain germs and bacteria that can be transmitted to the surroundings if left exposed. It is important to not throw used masks indiscriminately in public places, at home, or in open bins, as this can pose a health hazard to others. Some people may pick up discarded masks and reuse them, putting their lives in danger.
When removing a mask, it is important to wash your hands before and after to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of contaminants. For N95 respirators, hold the mask by the straps and avoid touching the inside part. Place the mask in a plastic bag or zip-lock bag, secure it tightly, and then dispose of it in a garbage bin. N95 masks should not be reused unless they have been properly sterilised.
Cloth masks can be washed, disinfected, dried, and reused. They should be washed frequently and properly to ensure they are safe for reuse. Surgical masks should be removed chin upwards, taking care to remove them by the strings and avoiding touching the front. These masks can be reused for up to three days if they are intact and not torn. To reuse a surgical mask, place it in a zip-lock pouch with a desiccated gel, which will absorb moisture and keep the mask dry. After three days, the mask should be disposed of by folding it in half inward multiple times until it forms a roll. Then, wrap the mask with its ear loops to secure the roll and place it in a polythene bag before disposing of it in a closed dustbin.
Additionally, the RSPCA recommends "snipping the straps" of disposable masks to prevent animals from getting caught in them. Environmental groups are encouraging the use of reusable masks and stronger government guidance to reduce the amount of single-use mask waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, surgical masks contain plastic. The material of surgical masks is fabricated from synthetic or natural polymers, which are mostly polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).
Polypropylene is a type of plastic that electrostatically filters out virus particles. It is used as the middle layer of many surgical masks and in the manufacture of respirators such as N95s.
Yes, disposable surgical masks contribute to plastic waste. Environmental groups have reported that millions of single-use masks are being dumped outdoors, causing enormous plastic waste.
Yes, the use of surgical masks could potentially result in the inhalation of microplastics that are released from the fabric/material of the masks.
