Occurrence and health risks of semi-volatile organic compounds in face masks

Xie, Huaijun; Du, Jing; Han, Wenjing; Tang, Jiahao; Li, Xiangyu; Chen, Jingwen

doi:10.1016/j.scib.2021.04.009

Cited by 8 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 10 publications

(11 reference statements)

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“…Average mask weight was estimated from studies that give the specific mask weight within the scope of their measurements (average weight of the mask without rubber bands and nose clip, and if applicable also without valve) [54]. Thus, the disposable/textile/community mask was set at 2.5 g [55,56], the surgical mask was set at 3 g, the FFP2/KN95 at 4 g and the FFP3 mask at 5 g [54]. The average mask surface area was set at approximately 230 cm 2 (0,023m 2 ) [57], while we assuming the surface area of a standard N95 respirator to be 175 cm 2 (0,0175 m 2 ) [58].…”

Section: Calculations and Exceedance Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Among the included studies, five measured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) related to face masks, thereof three the emission [25,71,72] and two the content [24,56]. Two studies measured the organophosphate esters (OPE) content in face masks and did an intake estimation [54,56]. Only two studies measured the Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) content in face masks [24,56].…”

Section: Analysed Substance Classesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two studies measured the organophosphate esters (OPE) content in face masks and did an intake estimation [54,56]. Only two studies measured the Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) content in face masks [24,56]. We found eight studies that measured the phthalates and phthalate esters (PAE) emissions and content in face masks [24,54,55,59,68,[73][74][75].…”

Section: Analysed Substance Classesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Wearing Face Masks as a Potential Source for Inhalation and Oral Uptake of Inanimate Toxins: a Scoping Review

Kisielinski¹,

Hockertz²,

Hirsch³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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From 2020 to 2023 many people around the world were forced to wear masks for large proportions of the day based on mandates and laws. We aimed to study the potential of face masks for the content and release of inanimate toxins. A scoping review of 1003 studies was performed (database search in PubMed/MEDLINE, qualitative and quantitative evaluation). Twenty-four studies were included (experimental time 17 min to 15 days) evaluating content and/or release in 631 masks (273 surgical, 228 textile and 130 N95 masks). Most studies (63%) showed alarming results with high micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) release and exceedances could also be evidenced for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), xylene, acrolein, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates (including di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, DEHP) and for Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb and TiO2. Of course, masks filter bacteria, dirt and plastic particles and fibers from the air we breathe and have specific indications, but according to our data they also carry risks. Depending on the application, a risk-benefit analysis is necessary. However, mask mandates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been generating an additional source of potentially harmful exposition to toxins at population level with almost zero distance to the airways.

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Section: Calculations and Exceedance Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Analysed Substance Classesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Analysed Substance Classesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Wearing Face Masks as a Potential Source for Inhalation and Oral Uptake of Inanimate Toxins: a Scoping Review

Kisielinski¹,

Hockertz²,

Hirsch³

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…48 Naphthalene and four alkyl-substituted analogues are petrochemical raw materials used to synthesize phthalic anhydrides, dyes, and plastic additives. Naphthalene was previously detected as a dominant organic compound in 42 of 53 masks 18 and a commonly detected migrating compound in PP-based baby bottles. 21 The benzene derivative (i.e., nonylbenzene) and alkane species (i.e., tridecane) can originate from raw mask materials (e.g., ethylene and propylene) that arise from petroleum or can be byproducts formed during the manufacturing process (e.g., polymerization, polymer decomposition, or additive transformation).…”

Section: Environmentalmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Masks can be a potential source of exposure of humans to chemicals considering the multiple additives loaded and some treatments performed during production. Target studies have measured 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), four organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), 13 UV filters, 18 five synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs), four organophosphorus antioxidants (OPAs), 19 four polyethylene glycol derivatives, and one dye compound in masks. 20 Among them, some are intentionally added substances (IASs) (e.g., benzophenone as a functional additive, UV-328 as a UV stabilizer, and antioxidants), whereas some are nonintentionally added substances (NIASs) (e.g., naphthalene and fluoranthene).…”

Section: ■ Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Disposable Polypropylene Face Masks: A Potential Source of Micro/Nanoparticles and Organic Contaminates in Humans

Guo

Liu

Xiang

et al. 2023

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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We have been effectively protected by disposable propylene face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, they may pose health risks due to the release of fine particles and chemicals. We measured micro/nanoparticles and organic chemicals in disposable medical masks, surgical masks, and (K)N95 respirators. In the breathing-simulation experiment, no notable differences were found in the total number of particles among mask types or between breathing intensities. However, when considering subranges, <2.5 μm particles accounted for ∼90% of the total number of micro/nanoparticles. GC-HRMS-based suspect screening tentatively revealed 79 (semi)volatile organic compounds in masks, with 18 being detected in ≥80% of samples and 44 in ≤20% of samples. Three synthetic phenolic antioxidants were quantified, and AO168 reached a median concentration of 2968 ng/g. By screening particles collected from bulk mask fabrics, we detected 18 chemicals, including four commonly detected in masks, suggesting chemical partition between the particles and the fabric fibers and chemical exposure via particle inhalation. These particles and chemicals are believed to originate from raw materials, intentionally and nonintentionally added substances in mask production, and their transformation products. This study highlights the need to study the long-term health risks associated with mask wearing and raises concerns over mask quality control.

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Face masks and respirators: Towards sustainable materials and technologies to overcome the shortcomings and challenges

et al. 2022

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The unprecedented threat of COVID‐19 and the likelihood of other emerging infectious diseases have accentuated the need for sustainable and effective masks and respirators (MAR). MAR assists in minimizing the risk of infection and controlling the spread of pathogens. However, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a worldwide scarcity of MAR due to unprecedented global demand. There are also notable limitations in commonly used MAR, such as low filtration efficiency, poor fit, non‐reusability, physiological impact, lack of biocompatibility and non‐biodegradability, and inability to kill pathogens. Therefore, there remains an unmet need for a comprehensive study focusing on potential materials and new technologies for MAR. Here we outline a comprehensive overview of the limitations of conventional MAR followed by required potential solutions (such as using nanofibers/graphene base filters/metal‐organic framework as filter media, laser scanning and 3D printing for fit and seal, applying antimicrobial nanomaterials coating on filter media, using reusable and biodegradable materials, developing high‐performing cloth masks, improving hydrophobicity, etc.). The information on potential materials and new technologies of MAR and research evidence outlined here can inform further research and development of high‐performing and sustainable respiratory protection technologies to improve the health and safety of the first responders and the community.

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Occurrence and health risks of semi-volatile organic compounds in face masks

Cited by 8 publications

References 10 publications

Wearing Face Masks as a Potential Source for Inhalation and Oral Uptake of Inanimate Toxins: a Scoping Review

Wearing Face Masks as a Potential Source for Inhalation and Oral Uptake of Inanimate Toxins: a Scoping Review

Disposable Polypropylene Face Masks: A Potential Source of Micro/Nanoparticles and Organic Contaminates in Humans

Face masks and respirators: Towards sustainable materials and technologies to overcome the shortcomings and challenges

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