Ethan Clarke
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in plastic pollution, with single-use masks being a major contributor. These masks are often made of plastic, specifically polypropylene, a fossil fuel-derived plastic that can take centuries to decompose. They shed microplastics, which can be inhaled and have been found in human lungs and blood. While masks have helped curb the spread of COVID-19, their environmental impact is significant, with an estimated 8 million tons of pandemic-associated plastic waste globally. The development of safe, effective, and reusable masks is crucial to address this issue, balancing human health and environmental sustainability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows a path for exhaled air to leave the mask while still keeping a barrier between the outside air and your nose and mouth |
| Suitability | More suited to healthcare workers than general use |
| Reusability | Reusing masks increases the risk of inhaling microplastic particles |
| Eco-friendliness | Single-use masks are typically made from polypropylene, a fossil fuel-derived plastic that can take hundreds of years to break down |
| Alternative | Reusable cloth masks are more eco-friendly and effective in non-medical settings |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic valves on masks are breathers
The plastic valves on masks, also known as breathers, serve a specific purpose. When a person exhales, instead of air filling up the mask, the breather provides an outlet for the air to escape while maintaining a barrier that separates the outside air from the nose and mouth. This feature enhances comfort during breathing and is particularly beneficial for individuals who need to wear masks for extended periods, such as healthcare workers.
While these plastic valves offer a degree of protection to the wearer by preventing the inhalation of infections, they are not ideal for general public use during a pandemic. The valves allow virus-carrying breath to escape into the surroundings, potentially endangering those nearby. Consequently, while these masks may be suitable for healthcare workers, they are not the best choice for shopping or everyday activities where the primary goal is to safeguard others from potential infection.
The extensive use of plastic in single-use masks has led to significant environmental concerns. Polypropylene, a common plastic component in blue surgical masks, takes hundreds of years to decompose and contributes to the growing plastic waste crisis. The pandemic has exacerbated this issue, with an estimated 8 million tons of pandemic-associated plastic waste generated globally, including more than 25,000 tons that have entered our oceans.
The ubiquitous presence of disposable masks has also resulted in microplastic pollution. When exposed to sunlight, a single discarded mask can release 1.5 million microplastic particles into the water and 16 million particles if weathered on sand. These microplastics are then consumed by marine life and can ultimately enter our food chain when we consume seafood. The breakdown of larger plastic products into microplastics has also led to human exposure through inhalation, with microplastics being found in human lung tissue and even the blood.
To address these environmental challenges, there is a growing emphasis on developing safe, effective, and reusable masks. Cloth masks, for example, are recommended for the general public as they are reusable, washable, and can effectively stop the spread of infections in non-medical settings. Additionally, scientists are exploring eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable masks made from wood fibres or bioplastics, to reduce the environmental impact of single-use masks.
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Single-use plastic masks cause environmental damage
The little plastic thing on masks is a breather or a valve that allows exhaled air to leave the mask while keeping a barrier between the outside air and your nose and mouth. While these masks have been extremely effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, single-use plastic masks have also contributed to environmental damage.
The use of single-use masks is a perfect example of how the consumption of millions of products causes significant environmental damage on both a local and global scale. Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the use of face masks has skyrocketed. Masks are mainly made of non-woven fabric such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or polyester. While they keep out bacteria effectively, the masks are plastic-based, liquid-resistant products that have a long afterlife after they are discarded, ending up in landfills or oceans. A research article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the U.S. estimates that the amount of pandemic-associated plastic waste worldwide exceeds 8 million tons, with more than 25,000 tons entering the oceans.
Discarded masks have become a common sight on sidewalks and parking lots, serving as breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and even viruses that may spread disease in the ecosystems where they are discarded. When exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, a single discarded mask can release more than 1.5 million microplastic particles into the water and a further 16 million particles if weathered in sand. A small piece of micrometric plastic can expose an entire organism (including humans) to toxic potentials such as bisphenol A (BPA). According to oceansasia.org, masks will take up to 450 years to break down, slowly turning into microplastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.
To reduce the environmental impact of single-use face masks, it is recommended to use a DIY reusable face mask, leaving disposable masks for specific situations, such as in hospital settings. It is also important to follow the necessary guidelines while disposing of masks.
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Microplastics from masks are found in lungs
The plastic thing on masks is a breather, also known as an exhalation valve. It allows exhaled air to leave the mask while maintaining a barrier between the outside air and the nose and mouth of the wearer. This type of mask is more suitable for healthcare workers than for general public use. Although masks have helped slow the spread of COVID-19, they have also contributed significantly to plastic pollution. The pandemic has driven the plastic problem to new heights, with a research article estimating that the amount of pandemic-associated plastic waste worldwide exceeds 8 million tons, and more than 25,000 tons entering the oceans.
Not only do single-use masks cause environmental damage, but they also pose health risks. A 2021 autopsy study found microplastics in 13 out of 20 people analyzed, and a 1998 U.S. lung cancer study found plastic and fibers in 99 out of 114 lung samples. More recently, microplastics from masks have been found deep in the lungs of living patients. In one study, 11 out of 13 patients undergoing lung surgery were found to have microplastics from surgical masks in their lungs.
The subjects of the study harbored 12 types of microplastics, which are commonly found in packaging, bottles, clothing, rope, and manufacturing processes. Notably, higher levels of microplastics were found in male patients compared to females, and in the lower portions of the lung. The most abundant types of microplastics were polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are commonly used in blue surgical masks.
The researchers also found that reusing masks could increase the risk of inhaling microplastic particles. N95 respirators released the lowest number of microplastics compared to other masks or not wearing a mask. While ending mask mandates may reduce new cases, it is important to recognize the potential health risks associated with inhaling microplastics. Further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of microplastic inhalation on human health.
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Cloth masks are reusable and eco-friendly
The little plastic thing on masks is a breather or a valve. It allows exhaled air to leave the mask while maintaining a barrier between the outside air and the nose and mouth. While it can help prevent the wearer from breathing in an infection, it does not protect others from the wearer's breath, which can be a problem during a pandemic.
In addition to being eco-friendly, cloth masks can be more comfortable for the wearer. Disposable masks made of synthetic material or conventional cotton can cause skin irritation, especially if worn for long periods. Cloth masks made of organic cotton or hemp are softer and can help reduce skin irritation. They can also be designed to fit snugly and securely, with adjustable features like metal nose pieces and elastic bands. For those with facial hair, cloth masks can provide a better fit than disposable masks, which often require a close shave for an effective seal.
Cloth masks are also versatile and can be used in various situations. They can offer protection when travelling, such as on planes, or when in close contact with others, such as in the workplace or while visiting family. Some cloth masks, like those from Ziki Goods, even have an interior pocket for adding a filter, providing extra protection when needed. This versatility means cloth masks are always a convenient option to have on hand, no matter the circumstances.
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Bioplastics are a potential alternative to plastic masks
The "plastic thing" on masks is a breather, which is a valve that allows exhaled air to leave the mask while maintaining a barrier between the outside air and the nose and mouth. The use of such masks is more suitable for healthcare workers than for general public use.
The plastic pandemic has led to a huge rise in single-use masks, causing environmental damage and creating millions of tons of plastic waste. Masks are often discarded improperly, ending up in oceans and landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to break down. This has led to an increase in plastic waste in the environment, with marine life potentially mistaking masks for food and ingesting them.
Bioplastics, made from natural materials, are a potential alternative to plastic masks. They are biodegradable polymeric materials that can be recycled and readily decomposed when they end up in landfills. Bioplastics can be starch-based, cellulose-based, protein-based, or lipid-based biopolymers. For example, bio-polyamides (Bio-PA) are derived from renewable resources such as natural fats and oils, exhibiting high wear resistance and temperature resistance.
While the unique properties of surgical masks that prevent tiny virus particles from passing through are difficult to recreate with bioplastics, the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the need for more sustainable solutions. Dr David Fengwei Xie, a materials scientist at the University of Warwick, comments that there is potential for green polymers to be used in masks, but more investment is needed in this area. In the meantime, individuals can opt for cloth masks instead of disposable single-use plastic masks to reduce their environmental impact.
To prepare for future waves of the pandemic or new pandemics, it is crucial to invest in the development of safe, effective, and reusable masks that are both certified and environmentally sustainable. This includes exploring alternatives like bioplastics to reduce the environmental impact of single-use masks and promoting the use of reusable masks over single-use options to minimize waste.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic thing on some masks is a valve, or a "breather", which allows a path for air to leave the mask while keeping a barrier between the outside air and your nose and mouth.
Masks are made of plastic because plastic is cheaply available. Masks made from polypropylene, a fossil fuel-derived plastic, are the most common.
Yes, plastic masks are bad for the environment. They can take hundreds of years to break down, and they shed tiny harmful microplastics into our waterways. Scientists are working on developing biodegradable masks made from wood fibres or bioplastics.
