Disposable masks pose pollutants risk

Plastic is the most prevalent type of marine debris found in our ocean and Great Lakes. Plastic debris can come in all shapes and sizes, but those that are less than five millimeters in length (or about the size of a sesame seed) are called “microplastics.” Which can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life.  

However, in the past couple of years, scientists have started using the term “nanoplastics” to describe the plastic particles less than a few micrometers in size. The dimension of nanoplastics is 0.001–0.1 micrometre. These fragments are so minute that they are not visible to the naked eye or even under a simple optical microscope. Nanoplastics can easily penetrate the tissues and organs of an organism. In a recent study, nonaplastics have been reported to be present in the tissues of terrestrial plants, harming the ecosystem.  

The pollutants were often linked to dyes used in producing the masks, mostly made in southern Asia, and China in particular. The team found traces of lead, antimony and cadmium - all heavy metals which can be toxic in low doses. They said the levels found were in the range of parts per million or parts per billion. "On an environmental scale with the amount of production of these things - it all accumulates," warned Dr Geraint Sullivan, technology transfer fellow at the university. He said the heavy metals found were also "bio-accumulative", which means they are not removed from aquatic systems and they build up over time. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibers were released when throw-away masks were submerged in water.

"Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities, first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to take steps to protect the environment.  

However, wearing face mask during Covid-19 outbreak is must need and necessary. We need to start with oneself to protect the environment by using quality masks with standard certified. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends discarding them in the "correct" rubbish bin immediately after use and not reusing them. It must not be disposed of in the recycling bin with packaging, cans, etc. or with organic waste. Do not throw them away with your general household rubbish. The Brazilian Sanitary and Environment Engineering Association (ABES) has issued advice on the correct way to dispose of used masks and gloves. The materials should be placede into two small plastic bags - one inside the other. Tie the bags firmly and throw them away with your general domestic waste.

Source:

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html#transcript

https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1130

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