Disposable mask waste: A chemical time bomb of billions of tons left unrecycled after the Pandemic
With the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and mitigation measures now a thing of the past, the world has begun returning to its pre-pandemic rhythms. However, this period has left behind residues which, according to studies, will pose future risks to both people and the environment. Among these residues are the billions of tons of disposable plastic masks used during the pandemic which today resemble a “chemical time bomb.” These masks are gradually decomposing, releasing microplastics and chemical additives, including endocrine disruptors, according to a study by Coventry University published in the journal Environmental Pollution.
“This study highlights the urgent need to rethink how we produce, use, and dispose of face masks,” said Anna Bogus of Coventry University.
At the peak of the pandemic, more than 129 billion disposable masks were used globally. Most were not recycled and ended up carelessly discarded on land, often in bodies of water, with only a fraction reaching landfills. According to certain studies, masks decomposing in aquatic environments pose a particular risk. For example, the most popular disposable masks, FFP2 and FFP3, produced four to six times more microplastics than others.
Experts have no doubt that the consequences of widespread disposable mask use during the pandemic could be felt in the coming years. The microplastics and chemicals released from discarded medical equipment can negatively affect the health of humans, animals, and entire ecosystems.
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