Adverse environmental effects of disposable face masks due to the excessive usage ☆

Title	Adverse environmental effects of disposable face masks due to the excessive usage ☆
Authors	Alice Sim Hui Li, Palanivel Sathishkumar, Muhammad Luqman Selahuddeen, Wan M. Asyraf Wan Mahmood, Mohamad Hamdi Zainal-Abidin, Roswanira Abdul Wahab, Mohamad Afiq Mohamed Huri, Faizuan Abdullah
Magazine	Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
Date	06/27/2022
DOI	10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119674
Introduction	The widespread adoption of disposable face masks as a preventative measure against SARS-CoV-2 transmission has emerged as a significant environmental challenge. This extensive usage has led to a novel form of contamination from improperly discarded masks, which release substantial quantities of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. This investigation focused on monitoring the release of heavy metals, VOCs, and microfibers from disposable face masks submerged in solutions at varying pH levels (4, 7, and 12) to simulate diverse environmental conditions. Analysis of the leachates confirmed the presence of lead (3.238% ppb), cadmium (0.672 ppb), and chromium (0.786 ppb). Pyrolysis identified 2,4-dimethylhept-1-ene and 4-methylheptane as VOCs originating from the samples. Further examination using FESEM images revealed chemically degraded morphologies, substantiating the leaching of toxic heavy metals and VOCs from the submerged masks, with more pronounced degradation observed at pH 7 and higher. These findings highlight the considerable risk posed by passively degrading disposable face masks and their discharge of micro- or nanofibers into marine ecosystems. The inherent toxicity of certain heavy metals and chemicals emanating from discarded face masks underscores the necessity for improved manufacturing protocols and heightened public awareness regarding responsible disposal practices to mitigate adverse impacts on ecological systems and human health.
Quote	Alice Sim Hui Li, Palanivel Sathishkumar and Muhammad Luqman Selahuddeen et al. Adverse environmental effects of disposable face masks due to the excess usage☆. Environ. Pollut. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119674
Element	Chromium (Cr)
Industry	Medical Devices , Research & Laboratory , Textiles & Fabrics , Chemical Manufacturing