Migration of Microplastics and Phthalates from Face Masks to Water

Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been introduced in the complex strategy of infection prevention and control. Face masks consist of plastic polymers and additives such as phthalates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the migration of microplastics (MP) and phthalates from face masks to water. Four types of masks including FFP2 masks and surgical were studied. Masks were first characterized to determine the different layers and the material used for their fabrication. Then, masks were cut into 20 pieces of 0.5 cm2, including all their layers, placed in water, and the migration of MP and phthalates was evaluated according to the conditions stated in EU Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. For MP, the morphological analysis (shape, dimension, particle count) was performed using a stereomicroscope, while the identification of both masks and MP released was conducted using μ-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FT-IR). Migration of phthalates was assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Face masks analyzed in the present study were made of atactic polypropylene (PP) as stated by the manufacturer. The μ-FT-IR confirmed that PP and polyamide (PA) were released as fragments, while both PP and polyester (PES) were released as fibers. In addition, 4 phthalates were identified at concentrations between 2.34 and 21.0 µg/mask. This study shows that the migration study can be applied to evaluate the potential release of MP and phthalates from face masks to water and could give a hint for the potential impact of their incorrect disposal on the aquatic resources.

Simulation of the Long-Term Ageing of Polypropylene-Made Disposable Surgical Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators

“…It may therefore be supposed that outdoor ageing of PP-made disposable surgical masks and filtering respirators disposed into the natural environment will suffer fast and extensive oxidation only in the case of contemporary exposure to sunlight and relatively high environmental temperature, leading to their breakdown in the form of microfiber fragments, i.e., microplastics. Preliminary field observation confirmed our hypothesis [2,16,17]. Such partially oxidized PP microplastics with lower crystallinity will then be exposed to the usual long-term process of bioassimilation.…”

“…Some studies highlight the risk of microplastic release from both surgical masks and filtering facepiece respirators FFP2 due to fragmentation processes, e.g. [2,12,16,17], but without focusing on their formation mechanism, especially after weathering and other ageing processes.…”

Direct and Indirect Impacts of Disposable Face Masks and Gloves on Freshwater Benthic Fauna and Sediment Biogeochemistry

“…However, for mask leachate, the change in the pulsation rate was only significantly different when leachate was combined with the mask fibers; mask leachate alone was not different from the control ( F = 5.0, df = 2, 9, p = 0.034; Figure ). Mask leachate may contain a number of different toxins, including synthetic antioxidants and phthalate compounds (Supplemental Information Figure S-2, Table S-1, and others ,,,, ), but the variety and likely the quantity of compounds were far fewer than in the gloves. Control treatments using only artificial freshwater showed no difference in the pulsation rate before and after 48 h of exposure (Figure ).…”

“…There was also a significant increase in disposable masks found along coastlines. , Recent estimates suggest that more than 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves were used each month during the height of the pandemic, of which a fraction has entered the environment . Additionally, face masks have been identified as a source of secondary microplastics, − with studies determining that polypropylene masks can shed between 100 and 2000 microfibers in as little as 7 days, in addition to fragments of polyester. − Face masks may also be a source of phthalates to the environment. ,, Moreover, due to initial concern over the persistence of COVID-19 on plastic surfaces, , waste management policies limited plastic recycling and suspended policy enactment, including postponing plastic bag bans to minimize contamination. , These practical shifts enacted to protect exposure to pathogens exacerbated plastic debris, and especially PPE, input to the environment …”

“…13−15 Face masks may also be a source of phthalates to the environment. 13,16,17 Moreover, due to initial concern over the persistence of COVID-19 on plastic surfaces, 18,19 waste management policies limited plastic recycling and suspended policy enactment, including postponing plastic bag bans to minimize contamination. 20,21 These practical shifts enacted to protect exposure to pathogens exacerbated plastic debris, and especially PPE, input to the environment.…”