Researchers warn that a large number of masks and their plastic components pose a growing threat to the environment and urge action to prevent it from becoming the next plastic problem. Genbo Xu, an environmental toxicologist at the University of Southern Denmark, and Professor Zhiyong Jason Ren, a civil and environmental engineering expert at Princeton University, said: [Disposable masks are plastic products that are not easily biodegradable and may break into smaller pieces. Plastic particles, namely plastic microparticles and nanoplastics that are widely present in the ecosystem."
"The huge output of disposable masks is equivalent to the output of plastic bottles. It is estimated that the output of plastic bottles per month is 43 billion." The researchers said that unlike plastic bottles, about 25% of plastic bottles will be recycled, but There is currently no official guidance on the recycling of masks, which makes discarded masks more likely to be improperly disposed of.
According to the report, if it is not recycled like other plastic waste, disposable masks may eventually enter the natural environment, freshwater systems and the ocean. In these places, weathering can produce a large number of tiny particles (less than 5 mm) within a few weeks, which are further broken into nanoplastics (less than 1 micron). Last summer, marine biologists warned that improper disposal of waste related to the epidemic meant that [more masks than jellyfish" might soon appear in the Mediterranean.
Eric Pauget, a French politician representing the Alpes-Maritimes province, said: [The fragile polypropylene nanoparticles constitute these masks to protect humans, but they may have a lasting impact on our ecosystems and biodiversity. Sex." Scientists warn that the composition of these masks means they will quickly break down into dangerous tiny particles. They said: [When decomposed in the environment, masks may release more microplastics, which is easier and faster than plastic products such as plastic bags."
The researchers emphasized that they do not know how masks cause a large number of plastic particles to be detected in the environment, because there is no data on the degradation of masks in nature. Xu Genbao said: [But we know that, like other plastic waste, disposable masks may also accumulate and release harmful chemical and biological substances, such as bisphenol A, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms. These may cause damage to plants, animals, and humans. Indirect adverse effects."
Researchers urge the authorities to set up trash cans that only collect and dispose of masks, and adopt other methods to reduce the impact of masks. This includes calling on more people to use reusable cotton masks, the development of biodegradable disposable masks, and the implementation of standardized waste management for the treatment of masks.