Masks are killing us Editorial by Luke Tiley

Masks are killing us An editorial

By Luke Tiley

450 MILLION MASKS ARE PRODUCED EVERY DAY

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to

take steps to protect the environment." Back in November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment. But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals.

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said

the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to take steps to protect the environment." Back in November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment. But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals.

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged in water. The researchers said

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's Col-

lege of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to take steps to protect the environment." Back in November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment. But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals.

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found

heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper

WHY SHOULD WE BE WORRIED ?

Microplastics are small particles of plastic with a diameter of less than 5mm.

Most of the microplastic waste in the environment is made up of fragments from large pieces of litter such as plastic bags, bottles r packaging. These are known as secondary microplastics.

Primary microplastics are items that have intentionally been manufactured in a small size, such as microfibers from clothing, microbeads and plastic pellets (also known as nurdles).

Once released into the environment, microplastics are practically impossible to remove and will remain there for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

Microplastics are small particles of plastic with a diameter of less than 5mm.

Most of the microplastic waste in the environment is made up of fragments from large pieces of litter such as plastic bags, bottles r pack-

Microplastics are small particles of plastic with a diameter of less than 5mm.

Most of the microplastic waste in the environment is made up of fragments from large pieces of litter such as plastic bags, bottles r packaging. These are known as secondary microplastics.

Primary microplastics are items that have intentionally been manufactured in a small size, such as microfibers from clothing, microbeads and plastic pellets (also known as nurdles).

Once released into the environment, microplastics are practically impossible to remove and will remain there for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

Microplastics are small particles of plastic with a diameter of less than 5mm.

Most of the microplastic waste in the environment is made up of fragments from large pieces of litter such as plastic bags, bottles r packaging. These are known as

Microplastics are small particles of plastic with a diameter of less than 5mm.

Most of the microplastic waste in the environment is made up of fragments from large pieces of litter such as plastic bags, bottles r packaging. These are known as secondary microplastics.

Primary microplastics are items that have intentionally been manufactured in a small size, such as microfibers from clothing, microbeads and plastic pellets (also known as nurdles).

Once released into the environment, microplastics are practically impossible to remove and will remain there for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

Microplastics are small particles of plastic with a diameter of less than 5mm.

Most of the microplastic waste in the environment is made up of fragments from large pieces of litter such as plastic bags, bottles r packaging. These are known as secondary microplastics.

Primary microplastics are

MICRO PLASTICS

Microplastics are small particles of plastic with a diameter of less than 5mm. Most of the microplastic waste in the environment is made up of fragments from large pieces of litter such as plastic bags, bottles or pack-

Microplastics are small particles of plastic with a diameter of less than 5mm. Most of the microplastic waste in the environment is made up of fragments from large pieces of litter such as plastic bags, bottles or pack-

'The reduce reuse recycle campaign aims to erradicate pollution and create a net neutral earth ' re-

Oroceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by Hong-Kong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.”

These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conserva-

tive loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask to arrive at the estimate. “The 1.56 billion face masks that will likely enter our oceans in 2020 are just the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Director of Research for OceansAsia, and lead author of the report. “The 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of face masks are just a small fraction of the estimated 8 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic that enter our oceans each year.”Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report

leased today by HongKong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.”

These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conservative loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask

Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by Hong-Kong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia.

This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.” These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.

The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conservative loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask to arrive at the estimate. “The 1.56 billion face masks that will likely enter our oceans in 2020 are just the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Director of Research for OceansAsia, and lead author of the report. “The 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of face masks are just a small

Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by Hong-Kong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.” These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conservative loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask to arrive at the estimate. “The 1.56 billion face masks that will likely enter our oceans in 2020 are just the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff,

Director of Research for OceansAsia, and lead author of the report.

“The 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of face masks are just a small fraction of the estimated 8 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic that enter our oceans each year.”Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by HongKong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.” These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.

The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conser-

vative loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask to arrive at the estimate.

“The 1.56 billion face masks that will likely enter our oceans in 2020 are just the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Director of Research for OceansAsia, and lead author of the report. “The 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of face masks are just a small fraction of the estimated 8 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic that enter our oceans each year.”Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by HongKong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled

S

taggering tatistics

F R US S O E IA Z I S

Some estimates even put the great pacific garbage patch size to 15 million square kilometers - almost the size of Russia. Globally, 65 billion gloves are used every month. The tally for face masks is nearly twice that—129 billion a month. That translates into 3 million

M 15

ev pac s squ m

LIO N M L I M

2

R E CY E B C L T AN Disposable

masks which are being made in the billions cannot be recycled and have to end up somewhere , whether that be in a landfill or floatin in the ocean.

6 68 %

L I B

G LOB N O I L A Y LL

5

32 %

The majority of these masks were produced in China, and in April 2020, the country reported a staggering daily production figure of 450 million masks.

ED

C

45

Y

Some estimates ven put the great cific garbage patch size to 15 million uare kilometers - almost the size of Russia.

LLION A D I M A 0

Globally, 65 billion gloves are used every month. The tally for face masks is nearly twice that—129 billion a month. That translates into 3 million face masks used per minute.

S

SOLUTIONS Surgical masks and N95 respirators are used to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. They are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by health workers and are different from other types of masks used to protect from pollution or dust.1 Surgical masks are loose fitting and designed to trap sprays and droplets from coughing and sneezing.2 N95 respirators fit more tightly and can also protect from smaller airborne particles. While N95 respirators are designed to protect the wearer from infections, surgical masks

are mostly used to prevent the wearer from disseminating germs and viruses (such as in the case of a surgeon operating on a patient). Surgical masks do not offer full protection against the coronavirus but are recommended for health workers, particularly when both the patient and the worker wear one.

Surgical masks and N95 respirators are used to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. They are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by health workers and are different from other types of masks used

Surgical masks and N95 respirators are used to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. They are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by health workers and are different from other types of masks used to protect Surgical masks and N95 respirators are used to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. They are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by health workers and are different from other types of masks used to protect from pollution or dust.1 Surgical masks are loose fitting and designed to trap sprays and droplets from coughing and sneezing.2 N95 respirators fit more tightly and can also protect from smaller airborne particles. While N95 respirators are designed to protect the wearer from infections, surgical masks are mostly used to prevent the wearer from disseminating germs and viruses (such as in the case of a surgeon operating on a patient). Surgical masks do not offer full protection against the coronavirus but are recommended for health workers, particularly when both the patient and the worker wear one. Sur-

Surgical masks and N95 respirators are used to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. They are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by health workers and are different from oth-

gical masks and Surgical masks and N95 respirators are used to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. They are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by health workers and are different from other types of masks used to protect from pollution or dust.1 Surgical masks are loose fitting and designed to trap sprays and droplets from coughing and sneezing.2 N95 respirators fit more tightly and can also protect from smaller airborne particles. While N95 respirators are designed to protect the wearer from infections, surgical masks are mostly used to prevent the wearer from disseminating germs and viruses (such as in the case of a surgeon operating on a patient). Surgical masks do not offer full protection against the coronavirus but are recommended for

health workers, particularly when both the patient and the worker wear one. Surgical masks and Surgical masks and N95 respirators are used to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. They are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by health workers and are different from other types of masks used to protect from pollution or dust.1 Surgical masks are loose fitting and designed to trap sprays and droplets from coughing and sneezing.2 N95 respirators fit more tightly and can also protect from smaller airborne particles. While N95 respirators are designed to protect the wearer from infections, surgical masks are mostly used to prevent the wearer from disseminating germs and viruses (such as in the case of a surgeon operating on a pa-

Our o c ans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by Hong-Kong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.” These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while nega-

tively icting marine wildlife and ecosystems.

The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conservative loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask to arrive at the estimate.

“The 1.56 billion face masks that will likely en-

ter o u r oceans in 2020 are just the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Director of Research for OceansAsia, and lead author of the report. “The 4,680 to 6,240 metric. tonnes of face masks are just a small fraction of the estimated

8 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic that enter our oceans each year.”

Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by Hong-Kong-based marine conservation or-

Mask production in 2020 is the size of Russia estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by Hong-Kong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.”

These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.

The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conservative loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask to arrive at the estimate. “The 1.56 billion face masks that will likely enter our oceans in 2020 are just the

tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Director of Research for OceansAsia, and lead author of the report. “The 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of face masks are just a small fraction of the estimated 8 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic that enter our oceans each year.”Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by HongKong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.” These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conservative loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask to arrive at the estimate. “The 1.56 billion face masks that will likely enter our oceans in 2020 are just the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Director of Research for OceansAsia, and lead author of the report. “The 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of face masks are just a small fraction of the estimated 8 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic that enter our

oceans each year.”Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by HongKong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine plastic pollution, says the report, entitled “Masks on the Beach: The Impact of COVID-19 on Marine Plastic Pollution.” These masks will take as long as 450 years to break down, slowly turning into micro plastics while negatively impacting marine wildlife and ecosystems.The report used a global production estimate of 52 billion masks being manufactured in 2020, a conservative loss rate of 3%, and the average weight of 3 to 4 grams for a single-use polypropylene surgical face mask to arrive at the estimate. “The 1.56 billion face masks that will likely enter our oceans in 2020 are just the tip of the iceberg,” says Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff, Director of Research for OceansAsia, and lead author of the report. “The 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of face masks are just a small fraction of the estimated 8 to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic that enter our oceans each year.”Our oceans will be flooded with an estimated 1.56 billion face masks in 2020 says a report released today by HongKong-based marine conservation organization OceansAsia. This will result in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tonnes of marine

Washing up ashore

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to take steps to protect the environment." Back in November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment. But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals.

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged

in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to take steps to protect the environment." Back in November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment. But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals.

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hun-

dreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to take steps to protect the environment." Back in November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment. But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals.

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throwaway masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pan-

Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throw-away masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to take steps to protect the environment." Back i n

November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment. But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals. Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out.

The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throw-away masks were submerged in water. The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation. "Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed," said

the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university's College of Engineering. "We need to sort our priorities - first of all we need to get over the pandemic and protect each other and the public health. Then, in the meantime, we need to take steps to protect the environment." Back in November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment.

But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals. Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out. The Swansea University