Neglected microplastics pollution in global COVID-19: Disposable surgical masks.

ABSTRACT: There have been many studies on the microplastic pollution, influence and control mechanisms of different plastic products. The potential harm of microplastic pollution to the environment has been confirmed. With the outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 in the world, disposable surgical masks as effective and cheap protective medical equipment have been widely used by the public. Disposable masks have been a new social norm, but they must have a sense of environmental responsibilities. The random disposal of masks may result in new and greater microplastic pollution, because masks made of polymer materials would release microplastics after entering the environment. Current results showed that masks are a potential and easily overlooked source of environmental microplastics. The release amou

SUBMITTER: Shen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8164515 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature