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Assessment of inhalation exposure to microplastic particles when disposable masks are repeatedly used
Jhy-Charm Soo1, Chun-Hsuan Wei2, Jen-Kun Chen3
1Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA.
Abstract:
Wearing masks to prevent infectious diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is common. However, concerns arise about inhalation exposure to microplastics (MPs) when disposable masks are improperly reused. In this study, we assessed whether disposable masks release inhalable MPs when reused in simulated wearing conditions. All experiments were conducted using a controlled test chamber setup with a constant inspiratory flow. Commercially available medical masks with a three-layer material, composition comprising polypropylene (PP in the outer and middle layers) and polyethylene (PE in the inner layer), were used as the test material. Brand-new masks with and without hand rubbing, as well as reused medical masks, were tested. Physical properties (number, size, and shape) and chemical composition (polymers) were identified using various analytical techniques such as fluorescence staining, fluorescence microscopy, and micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to scrutinize the surface structure of reused masks across different layers, elucidating the mechanism behind the MP generation. The findings revealed that brand-new masks subjected to hand rubbing exhibited a higher cumulative count of MPs, averaging approximately 1.5 times more than those without hand rubbing. Fragments remained the predominant shape across all selected size classes among the released MPs from reused masks, primarily through a physical abrasion mechanism, accounting for >90 % of the total MPs. The numbers of PE particles were higher than PP particles, indicating that the inner layer of the mask contributed more inhalable MPs than the middle and outer layers combined. The released MPs from reused masks reached their peak after 8 h of wearing. This implies that regularly replacing masks serves as a preventive measure and mitigates associated health risks of inhalation exposure to MPs.
Insights
Disposable masks release inhalable microplastics (MPs) when reused, especially from the inner polyethylene layer. Hand rubbing new masks also increases MP release, highlighting the need for regular mask replacement to mitigate health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Disposable masks are widely used for infectious disease prevention.
- Improper reuse of masks raises concerns about inhalation exposure to microplastics (MPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess inhalable microplastic release from reused disposable medical masks under simulated wearing conditions.
- To identify the physical and chemical characteristics of released MPs and their generation mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Experiments utilized a controlled test chamber with constant inspiratory flow.
- Commercial three-layer masks (polypropylene and polyethylene) were tested (new, hand-rubbed, and reused).
- Analytical techniques included fluorescence microscopy, micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- Hand-rubbed new masks released approximately 1.5 times more MPs than unrubbed masks.
- Fragments constituted over 90% of released MPs, primarily generated by physical abrasion.
- The inner polyethylene layer released more MPs than outer polypropylene layers; peak release occurred after 8 hours of wear.
Conclusions:
- Reused disposable masks release inhalable microplastics, with the inner layer being a significant source.
- Physical abrasion is the primary mechanism for MP generation.
- Regular replacement of disposable masks is crucial to minimize inhalation exposure to microplastics and associated health risks.
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