Recent research published in the journal Environmental Pollution by Anna Bogush and Ivan Kourtchev reveals alarming environmental consequences linked to disposable face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights that the overwhelming reliance on these masks, primarily made from polypropylene and other plastics, has contributed to significant microplastic pollution.
At the pandemic’s peak, an estimated 129 billion disposable face masks were used around the world every month. This massive figure is a reminder of how immense an issue that we’re addressing is. The researchers specifically wanted to address the environmental effects of these masks. That is how they found that each mask they tested released microplastics into the external environment.
The study demonstrated a critical failure with FFP2 and FFP3 masks. They were responsible for releasing four to six times more microplastics than the other masks, from all brands combined. This discovery has serious long-term consequences for human health and ecosystems alike. On top of contributing to the microplastic crisis, recently produced plastic face masks are releasing their toxic chemical additives as they degrade.
Anna Bogush, the lead author of the study and a researcher at Coventry University’s Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, stated, “We can’t ignore the environmental cost of single-use masks, especially when we know that the microplastics and chemicals they release can negatively affect both people and ecosystems. As we move forward, it’s vital that we raise awareness of these risks, support the development of more sustainable alternatives and make informed choices to protect our health and the environment.”
Bogush and Kourtchev carried out their study by putting freshly purchased masks into flasks of liquid. They soaked the fabric masks in 150ml of sterile water for a complete 24 hours. They pumped the resulting liquid through a fine tissue membrane to understand the microplastics and chemicals released during this 48-hour period. The results indicated that single-use face masks have contributed approximately 128-214 kg of bisphenol B pollution to the environment. This reality emphasizes even further the urgent need for action on this pressing issue.
The researchers end on a note of urgency. “This study has underlined the urgent need to rethink how we produce, use and dispose of face masks,” Bogush added. The suggestion is clear: there is an imperative to develop more sustainable alternatives to disposable masks to mitigate their environmental impact.