COVID-19 Face Masks: a Ticking Plastic Bomb

Do you know that there are one million masks thrown away every 20 seconds? Researchers warn that those disposable face masks made from plastic microfibers cannot be readily biodegraded but may fragment into smaller plastic particles, namely micro- and nanoplastics that could widespread in ecosystems and release harmful chemical and biological substances, such as bisphenol A, heavy metals, as well as pathogenic micro-organisms, which could be a bigger environmental problem than plastic bags.

Researchers have the following suggestions for dealing with the problem:

1. Set up mask-only trash cans for collection and disposal

2. Consider standardization, guidelines, and strict implementation of waste management for mask wastes

3. Replace disposable masks with reusable face masks like cotton masks

4. Consider development of biodegradable disposal masks

Reference

Xu, Elvis Genbo, and Zhiyong Jason Ren. "Preventing masks from becoming the next plastic problem." Frontiers of environmental science & engineering 15.6 (2021): 125.