Environmental challenges induced by extensive use of face masks during COVID-19: A review and potential solutions

Abstract

The ongoing COVID-19 disease significantly affects not only human health, it also affects the wealth of country’ economy and everyday routine of human life. To control the spread of the virus, face mask is used as primary personal protective equipment (PPE). Thus, the production and usage of face masks significantly increase as the COVID-19 pandemic still escalating. Further, most of these masks contain plastics or other derivatives of plastics. Therefore, this extensive usage of face masks generates million tons of plastic wastes to the environments in a short span of time. This study aims to investigate the environmental impact induced by face mask wastes and sustainable solution to reduce this waste. An online survey was carried out to identify the types of face mask and number of masks used per week by an individual from 1033 people. Based on this survey and available literature, this study quantifies the amount of plastics waste generated by face masks. However, this survey was limited with certain ages, country and durations (July–August 2020). Thus, the prediction of plastic waste generation, only provide fundamental knowledge about the mask wastes. Results revealed that there is a huge plastic waste remained in land and marine environment in the form of mask waste, which will contribute to micro-plastic pollution. Therefore, this paper also highlights the sustainable approach to the mask production by integrating the use of natural plant fiber in the woven face mask technology to reduce the plastic waste induced by masks. Further, upcycling the mask waste and producing construction materials also discussed.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on the environment

“… Sangkham, (2020) Face masks In Asia, the number of face masks used and medical waste has increased with the steady increase in the number of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases. Selvaranjan et al, (2021) Face masks The number of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic increased worldwide. These additional enhanced face masks containing plastic contributed to micro-plastic pollution in the aqua environment and also significantly impact the soil.…”

Risks of Covid-19 face masks to wildlife: Present and future research needs

“…Primarily made to protect healthcare workers from preventing occupational hazards, the use of disposable masks also became a preferential option for non-medical professionals based on their higher filtration capacity over reusable alternatives ( Prata et al, 2021 ). In South Korea, for instance, 91% of mask-wearing citizens opt by own-will for disposable masks (e.g., N95, KF masks, surgical masks) (Won So, 2020 ); but the preference for disposable masks (surgical masks, 40%) also prevails in other countries such Australia, U.S., U.K. Singapore, Sri Lanka and India ( Selvaranjan et al, 2021 ). In France, Austria, Germany, and some U.S. states, the use of disposable masks in public places were even imposed by national or local governments ( Prata et al, 2021 ; CDC, 2021 ).…”

“…Incorrect disposal of disposable face masks has been reported worldwide, in urbanised areas (streets, gardens, parks), natural reserves, beaches, and even high mountains (e.g., Ammendolia et al, 2021 ; Neto et al, 2021 ; Prata et al, 2020 ); intensifying plastic pollution. This is not surprising, as, in an international online survey (Australia, U.S., U.K., Singapore, Sri Lanka and India), 19% of individuals assumed that they recklessly throw away their disposable face masks ( Selvaranjan et al, 2021 ). Even when considering improper disposal of just 1% of disposable face masks by the world population, it would release to the environment ~10 million face masks (30,000–40,000 kg) ( WWF International, 2020 ).…”

Review of the valorization options for the proper disposal of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Waste can release various toxic materials, which are dangerous to all creatures ( Saliu et al, 2021 , Sullivan et al, 2021 ). Various environmental issues that originate from disposable face mask waste have been investigated to provide community awareness about this serious issue ( Fadare and Okoffo, 2020b , Selvaranjan et al, 2021 ).…”