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Face Mask: As a Source or Protector of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Phthalate Plasticizers?

Disposable masks are made of polymers such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or polyester. Many additives, including plasticizers, antioxidants, and flame retardants, are added to these materials in non-covalent forms to obtain products with greater performance. Even so, our study corroborates that cotton and fashion masks are important sources of human exposure to microplastics and phthalates, highlighting that it is not recommended to wear these two masks unnecessarily in daily life to reduce exposure. In contrast, the surgical mask is a great choice against microplastics and phthalates, as well as the COVID-19 virus.

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 The face mask: A tale from protection to pollution and demanding sustainable solution

The usage of face masks in various sectors of healthcare facilities dates back to years ago. However, the utilization of facial coverings experienced a rapid surge as a result of the escalating rate of COVID-19 infections witnessed across the entire globe. This culminated in an unparalleled inundation of disposed facial coverings within the surrounding ecosystem. This transforms the face mask from a potent protectant into a massive emerging solid plastic waste pollutant with long-term adverse effects on the environment and human health.

Articles of Interest

Can pollution face masks really protect us from exposure to toxic particles?

Based on current research, some face masks do reduce a person’s exposure to pollution particles 2.5 micrometers in diameter. But before buying one it’s important to consider the quality of the filter, the number of filter layers, how long the mask will last, and how well the mask fits your face.

Certain Face Masks Contain Toxic Chemicals, Inhalation of Which has the Potential to Affect the Upper Respiratory System

Masks have been proven to be a key measure to suppress COVID-19 transmissions and save lives. However, certain types of face masks have been shown to contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, aniline, and Perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Various health organizations and publications have detailed the harmful effects of these toxic chemicals on human body. Various studies have also shown that inhalation of formaldehyde and aniline can have an adverse impact on the human upper respiratory tract.

Covid masks may expose users to harmful chemicals

Researchers from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea analyzed two types of disposable medical-grade masks and several reusable cotton masks. They found that the chemicals released by these masks had eight times the recommended safety limit of TVOCs.

Exclusive: Chemical cocktail found in face masks

Top German scientists have found that wearing certain types of face masks for long periods of time could result in potentially hazardous chemicals and harmful microplastics being inhaled deep into human lungs.

How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet

Personal protective equipment is made of plastic and isn't recyclable. Now it’s being found everywhere on earth, including the oceans. The solution isn’t complicated: Throw them away.

Just a Reminder: Masks Are BAD For Your Health

This most recent study brought the contentious topic of “face masks as a public health measure” back into the spotlight and reaffirmed our native intelligence—namely, that putting industrial material over our mouth and our nose when we breathe is not a good idea.

Measuring the quantity of harmful volatile organic compounds inhaled through masks

Based on our findings, we suggest that prior to wearing a KF94 mask, each product should be opened and not worn for at least 30 min, thereby reducing TVOC concentrations to levels that will not impair human health.

Most face masks don’t expose wearers to harmful levels of PFAS, study says

The researchers used mass spectrometry to measure nonvolatile and volatile PFAS in nine types of face masks: one surgical, one N95, six reusable cloth and a heat-resistant fabric mask advertised to firefighters. Surgical and N95 masks had the lowest levels, whereas the firefighting mask had the highest amount.

PFAS are in face masks. Should you be concerned?

A study confirmed the presence of “forever chemicals” in face coverings worn to protect from Covid-19. Exposure risk appears low, but the findings are raising concerns about the consistent presence of PFAS in masks, risks to children and disposal issues.

Some face masks contain dangerous levels of toxic chemicals

The masks were found to contain levels of formaldehyde and fluorocarbons that, when in close proximity to the mouth for extended periods of time, could cause dangerous levels of exposure. These chemicals can both cause surface issues like watery eyes, burning nose and throat, as well as coughing, wheezing and nausea. While the scientists emphasised that this didn’t include all masks, some face masks available for sale did appear to contain alarming amounts of the restricted substances.

The Dark Side of the N95

The problem with polypropylene is that it takes nearly 450 years to decompose. Polypropylene can further break down into microplastics after being exposed to extreme weather. These microplastics end up in the ocean and can be consumed by marine animals. Microplastics can endanger marine life because it is made out of harmful toxic chemicals.

The Harm Caused by Masks

A new study suggests that the excess carbon dioxide breathed in by mask-wearers can have major health consequences.

The Impact of Face Mask Inks and Dyes on the Environment and Human Health

Despite the widespread use of masks due to mask mandates, very few people consider the potential health risks of wearing certain types of masks long-term, especially those produced with toxic dyes (Al Prol, 2019; Lellis et al., 2019). Commercial inks are made from chemical compounds, typically volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Toxic Mask Pollution - How You Can Help

The glut of plastic waste has been well-documented, along with heart-breaking photos illustrating its threat to marine life. Species such as sea turtles and seabirds are starving or choking to death, entangled in plastic fishing line, stomachs distended with plastic waste.

Toxins found in disposable plastic face masks may harm humans and the environment

To ensure conclusive testing, a team of scientists analyzed seven different brands of disposable face masks. They soaked all the masks in water to model the actual environmental circumstances for those that end up as trash or litter. Results revealed traces of heavy metals like lead and other toxins, such as carcinogenic chemicals in the water.

Wearing face masks as a potential source for inhalation and oral uptake of inanimate toxins – A scoping review

Undoubtedly, mask mandates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been generating an additional source of potentially harmful exposition to toxins with health threatening and carcinogenic properties at population level with almost zero distance to the airways.