Dangerous Chemical Pollutant Found In Disposable Face Masks Says, Scientists

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Aishwarya Chopra
Aishwarya Chopra
A news content writer with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has over 4 years of experience. Aishwarya is fluent in multiple languages and covers different domains of news for XploringIndia.in. In the past, she has worked as a freelancer and curated multiple articles for various websites.

Highlights:

  • Scientists find dangerous chemical pollutants in disposable face masks
  • Scientists at Swansea University found potentially dangerous chemicals pollutants released after disposable face masks are submerged underwater
  • Owing to the COVID-19 induced pandemic, there has been a rise in single-use masks

The scientists at the Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom, have uncovered potentially dangerous chemical pollutants which are released from the disposable face masks when they are submerged underwater.

The research conducted by the scientists revealed high levels of pollutants including lead, antimony, and copper, within the silicon-based and plastic fibres of common disposable face masks.

The research has been supported by the Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT) and the SPECIFIC Innovation & Knowledge Centre.

Dr Sarper Sarp who is the project lead of the Swansea University College of Engineering said “All of us need to keep wearing masks as they are essential in ending the pandemic.

Sarp added, “But we also urgently need more research and regulation on mask production, so we can reduce any risks to the environment and human health.”

Also Read: Covaxin Vs Covishield: All You Need To Know Before Getting The Vaccine

In a recent paper it was outlined that the tests carried out by the research team used a variety of masks – from standard plain face masks to novelty and festive masks for children with many currently being sold in UK retail outlets.

The rise in single-use masks, and the associated waste that came with it, due to the COVID-19 induced global pandemic has been documented as a new cause of pollution. The study was aimed to explore this direct link – with investigations to identify the level of toxic substances present in the disposable face masks.

The findings of the research revealed significant levels of pollutants in every mask which was tested – with micro/nanoparticles and heavy metals released into the water during all tests. The researchers concluded that this will have a substantial impact on the Earth’s environment and, in addition, also raised the question of the potential damage it carries to public health – warning that repeated exposure could be hazardous as the substances found in the disposable face masks have known links to cell death, genotoxicity and cancer formation.

In order to combat this issue, the team has advised further research and subsequent regulations be put in place in both manufacturing and testing process.

Dr Sarp also said, “The production of disposable plastic face masks (DPFs) in China alone has reached approximately 200 million a day, in a global effort to tackle the spread of the new SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“However, improper and unregulated disposal of these DPFs is a plastic pollution problem we are already facing and will only continue to intensify.

“There is a concerning amount of evidence that suggests that DPFs waste can potentially have a substantial environmental impact by releasing pollutants simply by exposing them to water.

“Many of the toxic pollutants found in our research have bio-accumulative properties when released into the environment and our findings show that DPFs could be one of the main sources of these environmental contaminants during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is, therefore, imperative that stricter regulations need to be enforced during manufacturing and disposal/recycling of DPFs to minimise the environmental impact.

“There is also a need to understand the impact of such particle leaching on public health. One of the main concerns with these particles is that they were easily detached from face masks and leached into the water with no agitation, which suggests that these particles are mechanically unstable and readily available to be detached.

“Therefore, a full investigation is necessary to determine the quantities and potential impacts of these particles leaching into the environment, and the levels being inhaled by users during normal breathing.

“This is a significant concern, especially for health care professionals, key workers, and children who are required to wear masks for large proportions of the working or school day.”

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