Quantification and Environmental Burden of Trace Metals in Disposable Facemasks Widely Used in UAE during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In view of COVID-19 epidemic, the public usage of disposable facemasks as a prophylactic measure to address virus transmission has become widespread and increased exponentially. However, disposable facemasks, when inappropriately discarded, may have major environmental implications as considerable levels of heavy metals, microfibers, and harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds may be released into various environmental compartments. The current study seeks to identify and quantify toxic heavy metals in disposable facemasks marketed in United Arab Emirates. Therefore, a total of 68 disposable masks were selected for testing whereby a total of 17 categories of masks were targeted based on their color, brand, and type. Samples were analyzed for eight toxic heavy metals and metalloids (Ni, Cd, As, Sb, Cu, Cr, Tl, and Pb). Recorded results revealed that Pb noticeably had the highest concentration among all metals under study with a maximum concentration of 6.57 µg/g. Antimony concentrations varied in different types of masks, and thallium was noted to be present in the range of 0.36 to 2.60 µg /g. Chromium was present in specific-colored masks distinctly at levels ranging between 2.38 and 4.67 µg/g compared to other samples having ≤1 µg/g Cr. Finally, it was noted that nickel, cadmium, and arsenic showed the lowest concentrations in all investigated samples and a similar pattern was observed for copper, excluding black masks. These findings appear to convey that facemasks can be an environmental burden and a source of heavy metals release into the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Therefore, more stringent facemasks manufacturing methods with reduced metal content, and increased public awareness for appropriate facemask disposal are required to lessen their negative impacts on human and ecological health.