Face covers are presently a legitimate prerequisite in numerous public spaces the world over. But even before they got obligatory, masks were causing litter problems on land and at sea. In spite of millions of individuals being advised to use face masks, little direction has been given on the best way to discard or reuse them securely. Also, as countries lift lockdown restrictions, billions of masks will be required every month around the world. Without better disposal practices, an environmental disaster is looming.
Most of masks are fabricated from enduring plastic materials, and whenever disposed of can persist in the environment for quite a long time to many years. This implies they can have various effects on the environment and individuals.
Masks aren’t the only problem — other items of PPE, such as gloves, are also being discarded in high numbers.
Potential Consequences of Mask Pollution
- Public health risks from infected used masks,
- Release of toxins in the environment from the open burning or incinerations of masks,
- Secondary transmission of disease to humans,
- Threatens marine life,
- Plastic waste can smother environments and break up ecosystems,
- Some animals can choke on medical waste.
Steps to reduce the impact of wearing a face mask:
- Use reusable masks without disposable filters. Machine wash them regularly following the instructions for the fabric.
- Try to carry a spare so if something goes wrong with the one you’re wearing you don’t need to use or buy a disposable mask.
- If you do need to use a disposable mask, take it home (maybe in a bag if you have to take it off) and then put it straight into a bin with a lid. If this isn’t possible, place it in a proper public bin.
- Don’t put disposable masks in the recycling. They can get caught in specialist recycling equipment and be a potential biohazard to waste workers.
- Whatever you do, don’t litter them!