Disposable face masks that people are wearing to reduce Covid-19 spread contain dangerous levels of cancer-causing pollutants, including lead, copper and antimony.
The pollutants have been discovered in the silicon-based and plastic fibres in disposable face masks, even including novelty types that are sold for children’s parties.
Researchers from Swansea University have warned that repeated exposure to the pollutants could affect people’s health as they have been linked to cell death, genetic mutation and cancer. The masks could also have an impact on the environment and on public health in general.
The masks leaked the pollutants when they were submerged in water, and the scientists fear the same could happen with discarded masks. “It is imperative that stricter regulations need to be enforced during manufacturing and disposal and recycling to minimise the environmental impact,” said Sarper Sarp, one of the researchers.
There also needs to be an urgent review of the way the masks are manufactured and whether safer ones could be produced. “we urgently need more research and regulation on mask production so we can reduce any risks to the environment and human health,” he added.
(Source: Water Research, 2021; 196: 117033)
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